A £25m research centre for the UK's aerospace, energy, marine and automobile industries is to be opened near Glasgow.
The Advanced Forming Research Centre, an artist’s impression of which is pictured here, is a joint venture between the University of Strathclyde, Scottish Enterprise, and engineering firms including Boeing, Mettis Aerospace and Rolls-Royce. It will be based in Inchinnan, Renfrewshire and will open early 2010.
Its principle concerns will be to develop forming and forging technologies to support the design and manufacture of components and structures for aircraft wings and body parts, engines, cars, ships, medical devices, power generation and wind turbines.
Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister, said: “Scotland has a strong record of innovation in engineering and science through the work of pioneers such as James Watt (key figure in the industrial revolution). The £25 million Advance Forming Research Centre will help strengthen this reputation with the establishment of a world-class research facility which will work with the world’s leading international engineering and technology companies.
“This new centre highlights Scotland’s commitment to being at the forefront of developing new technologies.”
Those involved were keen to celebrate the merits of the collaboration between academia and actual engineering companies for the advancement of the industry as a whole and the prospects of local businesses within it.
“Our work will be informed by a global network of researchers to ensure we are continually at the forefront of new technology, and research will be driven by the needs of our industrial partners,” said Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde.
For more info, see strath.ac.uk/afrc.
