University opens new Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, has opened a new Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at The University of Nottingham which aims to drive the development of cutting-edge technology in this key research area. Supported by £2 million from the University’s Capital Investment Fund, and £550k from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for investment in specialist equipment, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is also providing a further £979k to support business engagement and knowledge transfer activities with local SMEs to support innovation and growth within the region.

With an international team of established academics in their respective fields in the UK, Malaysia and China, the University has a strong focus on process technologies, composite manufacturing, food and additive manufacturing, digital manufacturing and operations management. The University was a founding partner of the Manufacturing Technology Centre, which subsequently partnered with six other institutions of excellence to form the High Value Manufacturing Catapult: key areas of development include use of metals and composites in addition to process manufacturing technologies and bio-processing.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science said: “As set out in the Government’s industrial strategy, it is vital that business benefits from the very best and latest technologies in order to compete in the global marketplace and be a driving force for growth. “That’s why I am very pleased to be opening the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at The University of Nottingham today, which has benefitted from significant Government funding.

“It will complement our £140 million investment in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre, which also brings business and the research base together to commercialise new technologies.”

Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, added: “The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing is focusing on next generation knowledge driven manufacturing methods, technologies, systems and services and will support numerous regional companies of all sizes. I would encourage any manufacturing businesses that feel they could benefit from the Institute to get in contact with us.”