NEWS 12 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk recycling or reuse. Presenting the winning prizes was Mr Michael More-Molyneux, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey. The challenge has long been one of SATRO’s most popular programmes, giving young people a fastpaced, handson introduction to engineering. Air Products has supported SATRO for more than 20 years. Andrew Whitby-Collins, CEO at SATRO, said: “The Problem Solving Challenge is designed to stretch students by asking them to work collaboratively on an unfamiliar engineering task, under time pressure and with limited materials. In that environment, students quickly develop their problem solving, communication, creative thinking and teamwork skills. They often achieve far more than they expect in a short space of time, whilst having fun and interacting with volunteers who inspire the students about their future career possibilities.” The Grand Finale also gave students the chance to chat with Air Products’ engineers and explore a real engineering workplace, as well as watch a liquid nitrogen demonstration that linked The Government has taken action to ensure battery manufacturers, auto firms and SMEs rooted in communities across Britain benefit from major financial support – keeping the country a leading hub for business, investment, and jobs in a volatile global environment. Thanks to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, 4200 jobs have been secured following over £700 million of investment in the advanced manufacturing sector – showing that the Government says it is supporting the industries of the future by helping to create a resilient economy that will boost growth and raise living standards for working people. Business Secretary Peter Kyle announced the measures?in a visit to Agratas in Somerset on 9 April, where a £380 million government grant was unveiled to support the firm in building one of the largest gigafactories in Europe – where the newly constructed factory frame was built using 100% British-steel. Agratas’ project will strengthen economy security and reduce Britain’s reliance on imports by turbocharging domestic battery production and generating around £43 billion worth of economic growth over a 25-year period when the facility is in full operation. The site will not only support 4200 direct jobs but thousands more in the supply chain, as well as unlock 300 apprenticeships – backed by a specialised battery manufacturing training unit to meet the skills needs of Agratas’ gigafactory and the wider battery sector. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This government is backing the industries of the future by investing in auto firms, SMEs and battery manufacturers across the country – helping to boost economic growth and our resilience, secure jobs and put more money in people’s pockets. “In an unstable world, our Modern Industrial Strategy is providing investors the stability and confidence they need to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond. That is what sets us apart from the rest, and will help ensure advanced manufacturing remains a thriving sector in the UK for decades to come.” Earl Wiggins, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, UK for Agratas classroom science to everyday applications. This wider exposure helps students understand how engineering shapes our lives and where their studies may lead. Denise Giddy, Director, Europe/Africa ASU Project Execution, at Air Products, said: “We’re proud to have supported the SATRO Problem Solving Challenge for many years. Welcoming students to our Chertsey site gives them the opportunity to see how engineering operates in a real industrial environment, meet engineers and experience practical demonstrations that bring classroom science to life.” Business Secretary champions flagship investment in UK’s largest gigafactory
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