Yorkshire invests in futuristic factory

It forms part of the second phase of development of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham. It will house the latest manufacturing equipment and 'state of the art' production capabilities, allowing businesses to trial new developments before making an investment. Information Communications Technology (ICT) and virtual manufacturing will be key components of the new facility. Additive manufacturing processes which ‘grow’ three-dimensional parts – reducing material waste and increasing design flexibility – will also be featured. More than 100 researchers at the facility will be responsible for transferring knowledge of these industrial techniques to manufacturing companies throughout the region. The facility is expected to be of interest to regional companies in the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors. Jim Farmery, head of innovation in Yorkshire Forward, said: "This new Factory of the Future is a unique opportunity for us to establish the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre as the leading UK research and development facility for a wider range of manufacturing techniques.”