n NEWS September 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 12 TURNTIDE TECHNOLOGIES, a UK-based developer of electric motor, power electronics and energy storage technologies, has secured a £17m grant from the UK Government to accelerate volume production of its watercooled axial-flux motors through increased automation and innovation, helping it to meet a growing global demand for more efficient, high-performance powertrains. Cost reductions of up to 59% are expected, helping to support large-scale adoption. In its match-funded Project Supreme (ScaleUp of PRoduction of Electric Machines), Turntide will automate critical, labour-intensive production processes such as winding, creating tooling components, and validating its products ready for volume manufacture. In the early stages of the 18-month project, the company says it will also register and deliver “breakthrough” intellectual property. Turntide says that faster and more efficient manufacturing at scale will allow it to better serve OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) across a wider range of applications and volumes globally. As part of the project, Turntide will expand the use of its Gateshead production and R&D campus, while re-establishing a dedicated component and validation facility in Cramlington, Northumberland. The project will secure jobs in North East England, while further enhancing workforce skills and development. “Project Supreme is an important step in scaling next-generation electric motor technology production in the UK for the global market,” says Turntide Technologies CEO, Steve Hornyak. “By enabling highvolume axial-flux motor production through automation and overall cost reduction, we’re driving wider adoption of more efficient, lighter electric powertrains across automotive and industrial applications.” Compared to conventional radial-flux designs, axial-flux motors need less space, weigh less, and deliver more power in a smaller package. But manufacturing challenges have historically made axial-flux motors more difficult and expensive to produce at scale, limiting their broader adoption. The project is intended to tackle some of these challenges. Funding for the Turntide project is coming from the UK government’s £4bn Drive35 (Driving Research & Investment in Vehicle Electrification) programme, launched in July 2025 as part of its advanced manufacturing sector plan (see page 5). Turntide, originally based in California, expanded to the UK in 2021 when it acquired three motors and energy businesses based in the North East of England: Cramlington-based Avid Technology, which designed and manufactured powertrain components and systems for heavy-duty and high-performance electric and hybrid vehicles; Sunderland-based Hyperdrive Innovation, a manufacturer of energy storage systems for off-highway and material-handling vehicles, as well as stationary and portable energy storage systems; and the former engineering technical centre of BorgWarner, located in Gateshead. These businesses formed the basis for basis for a new UK division focusing on intelligent motor systems for commercial transport. ROCKWELL AUTOMATION HAS ANNOUNCED a remote support service designed to help manufacturers to cut downtime, resolve problems faster, and simplify software and firmware updates. The TechConnectIQ service makes it easier for maintenance, engineering and operations teams to get help when issues arise. It provides faster access to Rockwell's experts and digital resources, helping teams to stay productive and respond more effectively to challenges. Technical support engineers, available 365 days a year, will assist with installation, configuration, troubleshooting and issue resolution across industrial automation systems. The service will reduce the need for on-site field visits and help teams to work more efficiently through improved access to knowledge and updates. “Manufacturers are being asked to do more with fewer resources and support needs to keep pace,”explains Matt Fordenwalt, senior vice-president for lifecycle services at Rockwell Automation. “TechConnectIQ brings together our expertise and AI capabilities to help customers stay productive when on-site resources are limited.” Benefits of the new service are said to include: n Real-time access to specialists through Web-based tools with scheduled callbacks and live support n Improved data visibility via the myRockwellAutomation TechConnect hub, including installed base and support history n Simplified support structure with consolidated hardware and software coverage and three support tiers: basic, standard and professional n AI-support tools including federated search, augmented reality guidance and instructional videos to assist with maintenance and remote support tasks The new service is available now for single-site contract customers in North America, and Rockwell plans to extend it to other regions during 2027. Rockwell launches digitally-enabled support service to help resolve customer issues faster UK developer wins £17m government grant to boost axial-flux motor plans Turntide will use the UK government grant to accelerate production of its axial-flux motors
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