First manufacturing innovation centre launched

The centre is formed from seven research and technology facilities from across the country. The project aims to help deliver a sustained manufacturing revival by taking innovative ideas to market, the government claimed. Key development areas include the nuclear industry and precision aircraft component manufacture, the government said. The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) will run a competition of nearly £18 million, Technology Inspired Innovation, to fund products inspired by new discoveries and breakthroughs, such as advanced materials, biosciences and nanoscale technologies. The TSB and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) will also be running a £15 million competition for investment into the research and development of low carbon vehicles. Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "The Government is supporting manufacturing through a modern industrial strategy fit for the 21st century. We are assisting manufacturing companies and their supply chains directly through the Regional Growth Fund and other schemes and supporting them to build strong businesses via our commitments to apprenticeships and fostering." Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board said: "The new centre will help UK businesses stay at the leading edge of manufacturing technology and create and protect jobs long into the future". The seven regional facilities behind the new centre are: • Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Rotherham) • Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Rotherham) • Manufacturing Technology Centre (Coventry) • Advanced Forming Research Centre (University of Strathclyde) • National Composite Centre (University of Bristol) • Centre for Process Innovation (Wilton & Sedgefield) • Warwick Manufacturing Group (University of Warwick).