Inspiring trip to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
The UK remains a leading manufacturing country, despite the numerous political challenges and uncertain economic climate. It was therefore a pleasure to accept an invitation from CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers’ Association) to attend a fascinating and insightful visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and its Factory 2050 near Sheffield yesterday, (4th September 2019.)
The AMRC is one now seven national High Value Manufacturing “Catapults” that work with all manufacturers, from global giants such as Boeing right down to the essential backbone of this country, SMEs, which in a recent report contribute to over 52% of all private sector business.
Arguably our own industry lacks the “kerbside appeal” of other leading manufacturers; a stainless steel canopy is no Mclaren sportscar. However, as we have highlighted in previous blogs, the amount of precise and advanced engineering required to manufacture these canopies; the time, money and energy CESA-members commit to R&D, is similar to these better-known companies. Therefore, the AMRC is very likely to be able to assist CESA and the wider commercial catering manufacturing industry in some capacity, especially as the vast majority of its partners are also SMEs. In particular, at AMRC’s “Factory 2050” they are soon to be launching an SME-specific area.
We would like to place on record our thanks to AMRC for hosting us yesterday and for CESA for arranging it. We would encourage any other manufacturer to look at the AMRC or the other HVM Catapult sites if appropriate. In the meantime, keep on following us on Twitter and LinkedIn, in particular the #UKmfg and #GBmfg.