The UK arm of global construction giant, Skanska, has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre – one of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing ‘Catapult’ centres with a clear commitment to developing new technologies that will benefit the construction industry.
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), which develops and proves innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in a low risk environment, is expected to play a key role in supporting Skanska meet the targets set out in Construction 2025 industrial strategy.
The MTC, based in Coventry, will draw on its expertise that has already enhanced a number of industries in the UK, including aerospace and automotive, to bring significant benefits to the construction industry.
Skanska UK’s membership will enable the further development of new technologies, some of which are already being trialled at the MTC. It will also support the opportunity to work in collaborative teams, with clients and supply chain partners.
President and CEO of Skanska UK, Mike Putnam commented: “Skanska UK’s membership of the MTC supports our aim to be a leader in the development of new technology, which can benefit the whole industry. We are committed to delivering the targets set in the Construction 2025 industrial strategy. This means that we all need to find smarter and more effective ways of working.
“Through the MTC, we will be able to develop new technologies, with the support of engineering experts and thinking from other leading global organisations. As a member of the Construction Leadership Council we see this as a big opportunity to collaborate with our clients and supply chain partners, to help upskill the whole industry.
“We have invested consistently in R&D and digital engineering over many years, and we’re fantastically excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Strategic development director at the MTC, Neil Rawlinson explained: “The construction sector is primed to benefit from new technologies such as automation (robotics), virtual reality visualisation and additive manufacturing, which will enhance global players like Skanska through to SMEs in the supply chain.
“This partnership will be a significant game changer not only for the construction industry, but also for the MTC as we are poised to launch a high-profile campaign within the construction and infrastructure sectors that will illustrate the range of technologies and the impact they can have.”
