Sandvik Coromant announces support for Manufacturing Technology Centre 'Italian Job' rally teams
29/04/2014 Sandvik Coromant
Sandvik Coromant has found an interesting and inspiring way to use its automotive expertise to support a good cause; by sponsoring three teams comprising apprentices and graduates from the UK's Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) who plan to drive classic British Minis across Italy to raise money for charity. As well as sponsorship of the MTC entries in this year's 'Italian Job' Mini car rally, Sandvik Coromant will also provide support to the MTC as it renovates and restores the vehicles - one of which dates back to 1966 - for the event.Now in its 25th year, the Italian Job Mini car rally involves driving Minis and other cars featured in the 1969 Michael Caine movie across Italy to raise funds for children's charities. This year the rally's nominated charity is 'Variety' and the route will see hundreds of cars drive from Turin to Trento, taking in the mountain roads of Piedmont and Trentino and including a drive on the world-famous Monza circuit.
The MTC is entering three original British Minis into the seven-day rally. Once they have been prepared the Minis will leave the MTC's home in Coventry on 21st October and then drive across France into Italy, reaching Turin in time for the start of the rally on 23rd October.
Painted red, white and blue respectively, the cars are 'Mike', built in 1981, Tango', from 1966, and 'Charlie', who rolled off the Mini production line in1992. Each vehicle is currently being restored and repaired using the Centre's facilities, which includes some of the latest Sandvik Coromant metal cutting tools.
A Tier One industrial member of the MTC since 2011, Sandvik Coromant works closely with the MTC in line with its commitment to developing new machining solutions and sharing knowledge that will help manufacturers address future engineering challenges. This commitment and cooperation also extends to support for graduate and apprentice training and sponsorship schemes and other initiatives designed to address the 'skills gap' by attracting, encouraging and nurturing new engineering talent.
Commenting on its sponsorship of the MTC rally entry, Howard Meachin, senior manager - Engineering at Sandvik Coromant, says: "Support of the UK MTC is an important part of our commitment to the advancement of innovative manufacturing techniques across a variety of industries, including the automotive sector. Sponsoring the MTC rally entries and offering our technology and services to help with the restoration of the vehicles is an opportunity to highlight this commitment and our strong relationship with the MTC while helping the Centre to raise money for a great cause."
For more information, please contact:
Nikki Stokes
Sandvik Coromant
Tel: +44 (0) 121 504 5422
Email: nikki.stokes@sandvik.com
Web: www.sandvik.coromant.com
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