AFRC gets three new members

The centre has signed agreements with Kuka Robotics, Open Mind Technologies and Metalube – all joining as tier two members.

The companies will share knowledge with the AFRC, working with the £60-million research centre on collaborative projects, partnerships and solving specific problems in particular manufacturing processes.

The Kuka Group is a global automation corporation that is keen to break into the Scottish market, while Open Mind Technologies, a developer of CAM for machine and controller-independent programming and member of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, is eager to replicate the successes resulting from this model.

Manchester-based Metalube is a specialist lubrication company focusing on ferrous & non-ferrous metal forming and processing. Its expertise will help the AFRC on projects relating to tool life, corrosion and surface finish.

Says AFRC chief business development officer Dr Lynne O’Hare: “The centre is working with some of the biggest companies in manufacturing, a symbol of our experience and capability.

“We’re pleased to add another three highly innovative businesses to our list of partners and are looking forward to the collaborative projects which evolve as a result. The AFRC is a respected centre of manufacturing excellence, with an ever-evolving level of scope and expertise as we continue to secure even more relationships.”