September 2019

NEWS The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has welcomed the recently released independent review into the HS2 programme but identifies some key areas that are missing. Dr Jenifer Baxter, head of engineering, said: “We support the HS2 programme and welcome this review which is an opportunity to look at how the delivery of major rail infrastructure can be improved. The review has some radical terms of reference but does not include what we would consider key aspects of the HS2 programme. “For example, the terms do not include a requirement to consider the cost of alternatives to provide the step-change increase in rail capacity that is needed on long distance and suburban services north of London. As an example, the review requires an assessment of the cost of disruption to rail users during HS2’s construction but does not consider the far greater disruption of any alternative project to improve capacity on the existing railway.” Opportunity Dr Baxter continued: “This review may provide an opportunity to investigate different ways that a high-speed rail link can be delivered with minimal environmental impacts, particularly in the area of modal transfer. It may also find solutions to elements of the scheme that will lower costs, for example by reducing the size of stations or delaying sections of the route. “We would encourage consideration of existing network readiness as part of this review, as the ability to deliver passengers to HS2’s origin and terminus stations is critical to its success. Without investment in the existing railway and other transport modes, the full potential of HS2 will never be realised. “Britain has a long and proud history of rail transport and it is important that we stay at the forefront of technological 6 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2019 www.hpmag.co.uk developments. Unfortunately, this new review fails to offer a chance to consider the business benefits of constructing HS2, such as bringing innovative new trains to our railways, which lower emissions, keep people moving and are fit for the 21st century. “HS2 must become a showcase for Britain’s railway industry. HS2 is essential to addressing the capacity crunch on our existing railway. Doing nothing is not an option.” IMechE responds to HS2 Review The skills gap is challenging businesses across all industries. As companies implement advanced technologies, they often struggle to find workers with the skills to match. That is why hundreds of manufacturing and production leaders from across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region will gather 21-24 October in Munich, Germany, to learn about the latest innovations in automation through training, executive keynotes and networking events at the Rockwell Automation TechEd EMEA event. The gathering, now in its third year, offers more than 300 hours of hands-on lab sessions featuring the latest industrial technologies including applications for artificial intelligence, network security, virtual reality, scalable computing, analytics and data management. TechEd EMEA is a unique event in the region for industrial professionals to expand and enhance their skills. Research shows the critical importance of workforce training, with the World Economic Forum estimating that more than half (54%) of all employees across all sectors will require significant reskilling by 2022, according to its future of jobs report. Critical role “People play a critical role in advanced manufacturing, and our premier training event is an ideal way to learn new ways to drive innovation and growth within their organisations,” says Susana Gonzalez, president EMEA region, Rockwell Automation. “Together with our partners at TechEd EMEA, we will share technology and tools that bring The Connected Enterprise to life.” Gonzalez and Thomas Donato, senior vice president, global sales and marketing, Rockwell Automation, will share their industry and business insights during executive keynote sessions. Additionally, dozens of Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork companies will share how they solve their customers’ challenges across a variety of industries. With attendees from more than 40 countries representing 20 industries, TechEd EMEA brings together professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and functions, including end users, systems integrators, distributors, and machine builders with areas of expertise ranging from manufacturing and information technology to digital transformation, operations and maintenance. “Every day we are working with our customers to help integrate production technology in the physical world into an interconnected, digital network,” Gonzalez said. “We do this because bringing together, people, processes, and technology offers unprecedented opportunities for companies to boost production goals. Our TechEd event is designed to help our customers find their path forward by hearing examples from real applications, discussing emerging trends, and being exposed to the latest technology.” Training for the next-generation workforce