£30m network for manufacturers

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 30 Nov 2004 16:10
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A new £30 million network to support the production of light materials that can be used to benefit industries such as automotive, aerospace and healthcare was today launched in London by Industry Minister Jacqui Smith.

The National Composites Network, which will have regional centres specialising in particular areas of composites technology is intended to:

* bring together industry experts in composites;

* share knowledge in composites across different industries and between companies; and

* help smaller companies source their research and development and access state of the art technology.

The Department of Trade and Industry is putting £4.75 million into the network from its Technology Programme, announced in April. The UK's various Regional Development Agencies are putting in a further £14 million, with industry contributions bringing the total funding up to £30 million.

Composite technologies are considered a vital part of industry because they can lead to lighter structures that can be used for purposes such as artificial limbs and sports goods.

Jacqui Smith said: “The Composites Network will be an invaluable tool for companies from construction to automotive."

 

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