SPark, the Bristol and Bath science park will be home to the UK's National Composites Centre (NCC) – a brand new research facility for composite materials, which are increasingly used to improve efficiency in the aerospace automotive and wind turbine industries.
The National Composites Centre Steering Board confirmed the centre's location at a conference in Bristol today, attended by Business Minister Ian Lucas and hosted by the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) and the University of Bristol.
The conference was held to encourage major manufacturers to join companies such as Airbus, AgustaWestland, GE, GKN, Rolls-Royce and Vestas to become National Composites Centre partners and supporters.
Speaking at the launch event in Bristol today, Business Minister Ian Lucas said: “The National Composites Centre will play a major role in maintaining the UK's lead in the development of composites. These lightweight, high performance materials are key to cutting the environmental impact of industries that have traditionally been heavy carbon emitters. This new centre will help create the conditions to support long term growth in the low carbon sector. SPark is an ideal location for the NCC, where it will be surrounded by cutting edge research and development by some of the world's most innovative firms.”
Graham Harrison, director of International Business, South West RDA said: “The fact that major industry players such as Airbus, GKN, Rolls-Royce and Vestas, with interests in renewable energy, aerospace, automotive and marine sectors, are already on board with the National Composites Centre shows just how important the facility will be. Since the announcement of the NCC last November, new partners Agusta Westland and General Electric (GE) have pledged their support.
“Today is about telling the rest of the manufacturing industry just how much will be on offer here – from state of the art computer design suites to on site manufacturing facilities. What's more, it'll be situated on one of the UK's biggest science parks – a hub for innovation and high-tech research.”
Dave Dawson, technology executive – purchasing, Rolls-Royce and NCC steering board member said: “Composite materials are playing an increasingly important role right across our portfolio – from aircraft engine casings to tidal generation turbine blades. But we need to understand the possibilities better, so that Rolls-Royce can become an intelligent specifier and intelligent customer of composite components. We see the NCC as an important vehicle for achieving this goal and for helping us work with our strategic suppliers.”
www.southwestrda.org.uk
