Government announced today an increase in funding for a low carbon technology centre and the launch of Manufacturing Insight.
To spur the transition to low carbon manufacturing, government has embarked on a new approach to supporting the economy. Speaking at a conference entitled, Manufacturing Strategy: One Year On, business minister Pat McFadden announced the increase of £40 million government funding for a new manufacturing technology centre. Located in the Midlands, the Ansty Park facility will lead to the creation of up to 150 jobs spread over 20 projects. Funding for the centre is expected to reach £130 million over the next ten years.
The centre will bring together Birmingham, Loughborough and Nottingham research universities, enabling the commercialisation of the science base through collaborative research programmes. Drawing in both private and public sector funds, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce will also contribute to research projects at the centre.
The business minister also formally launched Manufacturing Insight, a new industry-backed body responsible for improving public perception of the sector and highlighting the diverse range of careers available.
Speaking about the role of Manufacturing Insight, director Nick Hussey said, “Manufacturing Insight has an exciting and challenging opportunity to promote the careers available in a wide range of disciplines not traditionally associated with the sector, including product design and rapid prototyping, process strategies, international supply chain logistics and a whole gamut of more general business skills.
“With the changing face of manufacturing we want to help improve the perception of the sector to reflect its reality and inspire the next generation to consider what the full breadth of the manufacturing sector has to offer them.”
