Aerospace manufacturing research centre

Citation

(2001), "Aerospace manufacturing research centre", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773caf.001

Aerospace manufacturing research centre

Aerospace manufacturing research centre

Keywords: Yorkshire Forward, Boeing, University of Sheffield, Metals, Cutting, R&D

Yorkshire Forward and the University of Sheffield recently announced a £15 million initial investment of both public and private sector funding in an Aerospace Manufacturing Research Centre to be located in South Yorkshire, UK. The Boeing Company has signed a Letter of Intent with the University of Sheffield to be a partner in the initial phase of the project.

The centre, which will be the most advanced for materials cutting technology in the world, is the culmination of more than 12 months' work by the University of Sheffield, Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and Humber and the UK's Department of Trade and Industry.

Professor Bob Boucher, vice chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said:

We are delighted that the University of Sheffield has been chosen to be the focus of a multi-million pound research investment in advanced materials technology. The project builds on world-renowned expertise in metals and cutting technology, which are integral to the aerospace and many other industries. Boeing's commitment to the Sheffield Centre will provide added impetus to the project. This illustrates just how a world-class university such as the University of Sheffield can act as a magnet for regional development.

Boeing reports that it was attracted to South Yorkshire by the University of Sheffield's world-class engineering faculty, and its multi-disciplinary approach to solving manufacturing problems.

"Over the past 30 years, British skills and technology have made Boeing the world's biggest customer for UK aerospace companies", said Philip M. Condit, chairman and CEO, the Boeing Company. "We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Britain by collaborating on this important project, which will stimulate value-added research for all of the partners."

The University of Sheffield Centre will develop new processes for the machining and structural analysis of titanium and other novel materials for aerospace applications. This is a key area of research as the aerospace industry strives to find lighter materials to improve the efficiency of both commercial and defence aircraft.

It will also be the research hub of a pioneering 100 acre Advanced Manufacturing Park spearheaded by Yorkshire Forward which should, over the next five years, create 7,000 new high value and high-technology jobs. It is hoped that the centre will act as a catalyst for supply-chain activity which will attract and sustain a cluster of high-tech companies yielding long-term skilled employment.

Graham Hall, Chairman of Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency, said Boeing's announcement meant that further investment in the region would follow.

"This collaboration between Yorkshire Forward and our partners visibly demonstrates the region's commitment to a thriving manufacturing sector. The Centre and Manufacturing Park are tangible examples of South Yorkshire's transition from dependence on large traditional industries to one of growing reliance on globally competitive, knowledge-driven businesses."

Responding to the announcement, the UK's Minister for Trade Richard Caborn said:

This announcement is a massive vote of confidence in the region and its workforce. Boeing's investment will bring highly skilled jobs to Yorkshire and act as a catalyst to encourage other blue-chip companies to locate in the area.

"Today's news shows how in today's knowledge-driven economy, academic excellence and economic development go hand in hand. Investment in research and development is vital to help regions achieve economic success, which is why the Government recently announced increased funding for regional development agencies via the new Regional Innovation Fund."

Details available from: Yorkshire Forward, Tel: +44 (0) 113 3949710. University of Sheffield, Dr Roger Allum/Ruth Arnold, Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 1035; E-mail: r.arnold@sheffield.ac.uk