Latest news with #powerSystems
Globe and Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Engineering Simplicity in a Complex World: Frederic Lauzier Urges Industry to Prioritise Resilient, Intuitive Systems
Seasoned engineer highlights the urgent need for cross-functional collaboration, smart automation, and mentorship in transforming outdated infrastructure Electrical engineer and systems innovator Frederic Lauzier is raising his voice to advocate for a shift in how engineering teams tackle modernisation. In a recent in-depth interview, Lauzier shared insights from his 15+ year career in power systems, embedded technology, and sustainable automation—calling on industry leaders to simplify, future-proof, and humanise complex engineering processes. 'I believe good engineering is simple, strong, and intuitive,' Lauzier said in the interview. 'That's harder to achieve than it sounds. But when it works, you know it immediately.' A Call to Modernise with Purpose Lauzier's message comes at a time when ageing infrastructure and siloed engineering practices are holding back progress. According to a 2024 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 60% of industrial facilities in North America are operating with outdated control systems, limiting energy efficiency and automation capabilities. Lauzier has led initiatives to retrofit legacy manufacturing facilities, using predictive maintenance and real-time data systems to extend operational life while reducing downtime. These interventions not only boost efficiency but also cut costs—by up to 30% in some cases, according to industry estimates. 'We worked with one client whose factory hadn't been updated in decades,' Lauzier recalled. 'They thought they'd need to shut down for months. Instead, we built a system that worked alongside their existing setup. That kept them running and gave them real insight into their energy use.' Bridging the Hardware–Software Divide A central theme of Lauzier's advocacy is improving communication between hardware and software teams—a common obstacle in fast-moving tech environments. Misalignment can delay development, compromise safety, and waste valuable resources. 'Hardware engineers and software developers sometimes speak very different languages,' Lauzier explained. 'I see myself as a bridge. I try to translate what one group needs in terms the other can act on.' He encourages engineering leaders to embrace cross-disciplinary training, open documentation, and collaborative design reviews—measures shown to improve project outcomes and reduce integration time by up to 40% in some sectors. Mentorship: The Hidden Engine of Innovation Lauzier is also a vocal supporter of mentorship and peer learning, which he credits as vital to his own success. A 2023 Engineering UK study found that over 70% of early-career engineers are more likely to remain in the field if they have access to mentorship and development support. 'No one does this alone,' Lauzier said. 'I had great mentors. Now, I help junior engineers with certifications, design reviews—even how to explain their work clearly. That's how we keep moving forward.' The Road Ahead: What You Can Do Lauzier isn't just speaking to executives—he's calling on every engineer, manager, and student to take part in building stronger systems and smarter teams: Ask tough questions about legacy processes and automation potential. Document and share your work to improve collaboration. Mentor someone, or seek mentorship yourself—every connection matters. Stay curious and keep learning, especially in emerging fields like cybersecurity and machine learning. 'Engineering, for me, has never been just a job,' Lauzier said. 'It's how I understand the world. And the more we share that understanding, the better systems we can build.' To read more, visit the website here. About Frederic Lauzier Frederic Lauzier is a Quebec-based electrical engineer with a Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He has led innovations in power grid optimisation, embedded systems, and sustainable automation across the energy, transport, and telecom sectors. He is an active participant in IEEE, a mentor to junior engineers, and a lifelong student of emerging technologies. Contact: info@ Media Contact Contact Person: Frederic Lauzier Email: Send Email Country: Canada Website:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Rolls-Royce share price is close to an all-time record. Could it still be a bargain?
At first glance, even the idea of Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR) offering a stock market bargain right now may seem laughable. After all, the Rolls-Royce share price is already up 52% so far this year and has been trading close to record levels. Over five years, it has risen a staggering 677%. But could it still be a smart buy for my portfolio even at its current level? An important thing to understand about this situation is that the Rolls-Royce share price has not been moving like that for no reason. Five years ago, the business was on its knees. Civil aviation demand had slumped, the company was bleeding cash and it diluted existing shareholders by selling more shares to raise cash. Part of the reason the Rolls-Royce share price has recovered sharply is that the civil aviation demand picture has since been transformed. With people flying again in large numbers, airlines have been servicing existing engines regularly as well as buying new ones. But that is not the only reason Rolls shares have soared. Defence spending has increased markedly, lifting defence shares including this one. The company's power systems division has also been doing well, something that looks set to last. Meanwhile, the company has made moves of its own that help explain the share price growth. One is aggressive cost-cutting. Another has been setting aggressive medium-term goals for financial performance. If reached, this could help justify a premium valuation for the company. The better Rolls has been doing, the healthier it has looked financially – paving the way for more success in future. On that basis, I reckon that even now, Rolls-Royce shares could be a bargain. This month, a non-executive director bought 2,837 of them with her own money. Should I do the same? Having hit some goals early, the company has raised them. That could create more value. It is benefiting from elevated demand in all three of its business areas. A price-to-earnings ratio of 30 looks expensive to me. But by 2028 the company is targeting £3.6bn-£3.9bn of underlying operating profits annually. That is not the same as profit (as there are non-operating elements to consider, like financing and investing) but the current market capitalisation is around 19 times that number (at the top end of the estimate). So if Rolls-Royce delivers, the current share price does not look wildly expensive to me. If it can deliver on those targets, it may set higher ones, making the current price look even more attractive to a long-term investor. Still, there is a lot that remains to be proven. Setting a goal is one thing, achieving it is another. Civil aviation demand is occasionally thrown into a slump by anything from war or terrorism to a recession or pandemic. That risk remains high in my view and I do not think the current Rolls-Royce share price offers me enough margin of safety to account for it. Therefore, although I reckon the price could move up even from here, I will not be buying. The post The Rolls-Royce share price is close to an all-time record. Could it still be a bargain? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool C Ruane has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Rolls-Royce Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Rolls-Royce expands African footprint with new regional headquarters and training facility for its Power Systems division
Training up to 150 engineers per year Rolls-Royce has officially opened a new headquarters and training facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, to support its Power Systems division. The new facility is further evidence of the company's longterm commitment to Africa and will support the growing fleet of Power Systems' mtu mobile and stationary power solutions across critical sectors such as energy, technology, mining, transportation, and oil & gas. Located in a specially adapted facility spanning approximately 6,000m², the new site consolidates core customer-facing functions into a central hub, including service coordination, spare parts storage, logistics, and technical training. It complements RollsRoyce's existing footprint in South Africa, with mtu engine rebuild capability, and finance and logistics functions located in Cape Town. The training centre is designed to support between 100 and 150 trainees annually with a wide range of training engines, including mtu 2000 and 4000 series, used for power generation, mining and rail applications. Trainees will benefit from access to advanced tooling and use simulation equipment for electronic training. The centre will deliver certified practical and theoretical training, equipping customers and partners from across Africa with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to support a wide range of applications and industries. The new facility, operated by Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa, features dedicated capacity for the engineering and assembly of repower modules, enabling the replacement of engines in mining haul trucks and excavators with more suitable mtu power solutions. This allows customers to select upgrade options tailored to their specific operational needs. Fitting mtu engines delivers clear commercial benefits, including lower Total Cost of Ownership through improved fuel efficiency, increased equipment availability, and reduced maintenance costs. With a strong focus on system resilience, the regional subsidiary Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa is committed to delivering robust, fit-for-purpose solutions designed to perform in the demanding and often harsh operating environments across the continent. Cobus Van Schalkwyk, Director Global Mining and Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa: 'As we approach our 25th year in South Africa, this new facility is a clear signal of our confidence in Africa's growth and our commitment to being closer to our customers. 'By bringing support services, technical training, and parts availability together under one roof, we're building the capabilities that matter most to our partners across the continent. This investment also supports our strategy to further localise operations, reduce lead times, and strengthen supply chain resilience — critical advantages for customers operating in remote or fast-paced environments.' Press photos for download can be found at Media Centre ( About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Rolls-Royce is a force for progress, powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together. Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 48 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers. Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing RollsRoyce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition. Annual underlying revenue was £17.8 billion in 2024, and underlying operating profit was £2.46 billion. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)5. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,350 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition. -Ends- Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG Maybachplatz 1 88045 Friedrichshafen Germany For further information, contact: Media Lydia-Claire Halliday Corporate Communications Africa LCH Consultancy lydia@
