Electronics

Mechanical Engineering

Exports of mechanical machinery represented 13 per cent of total visible exports in 1993. Output includes pressure vessels, heat exchangers and storage tanks for chemical and oil-refining plant, steam-raising boilers (including those for power stations), nuclear reactions, water and sewage treatment plant, and fabricated steelwork for bridges, buildings and industrial installations.

Britain is among the world's major producers of tractors, which make up over three-quarters of total output of agricultural equipment. Sales of the tractor industry were valued at ₤1,100 million in 1993. Massey Ferguson and Ford are major producers of tractors. Technical innovations include computer-controlled tractors, an ultra-efficient pesticide sprayer and combined mower/conditioners that reduce drying time for grass.

Britain is the world's eighth largest producer of machine tools with total sales of nearly ₤900 million in 1993. British manufacturers have made technological advances in probes, sensors, co-ordinate measuring devices, laser melting and the installation of flexible manufacturing systems. Computer numerical-controlled machines account for an increasing proportion of output. The 600 Group is the biggest British machine tool company.

Most sales of textile machinery are to export markets. British innovations include computerised colour matching and weave simulation, friction spinning, high-speed computer-controlled knitting machines and electronic jacquard attachments for weaving looms.

Britain's mining and tunnelling equipment leads in the production of coal-cutting and road-heading (shearing) equipment, hydraulic roof supports, conveying equipment, flameproof transformers, switchgear, and subsurface transport equipment and control systems.

Britain has the fourth largest electronics industry in the world. The computer sector produced an extensive range of systems, central processors and peripheral equipment, from large computers for large-scale data- processing and scientific work to mini-and microcomputers for control and automation system and for home, educational and office use. In 1993 exports reached a record level, around ₤4,000 million.

Britain makes 40 per cent of Europe's desktop computers. Nearly half of these computers and peripheral equipment intended for export are made in Scotland. Several leading overseas manufactures of data-processing equipment - for example, IBM, Unisys and Compaq - have established manufacturing plants in Britain. The biggest computer manufacturer is the largely Japanese-owned ICL. Other companies, such as Psion, have concentrated on developing new products for specialised markets. These include pocket-sized computers and notebook and pen computers.

Another sector of the industry manufactures radio communications equipment, radar, radio and sonar navigational aids for ships and aircraft, thermal imaging systems, alarms and signalling equipment, public broadcasting equipment and other capital goods. Radar was invented in Britain and British firms are still in the forefront of technical advances.

Дата добавления: 2013-12-13