Vince Cable formally opens the NCC

The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills formally opened the National Composites Centre (NCC) in Bristol on Thursday 24th November.

Dr Cable was joined by more than 200 guests to see first-hand the fantastic capabilities of the centre. He was shown around the centre and saw state-of-the-art machinery, including a world-leading £2.5million robotic, automatic fibre placement. Dr Cable also met some of the highly skilled engineers that will assist UK manufacturers to develop and commercialise new technologies and products. The event was accompanied by an exhibition of the NCC's members showing what composite technology can do across a wide range of industries. A new aircraft wing component was among a range of items that showcased the potential applications of the latest composite technology “Here in the UK we are very good at invention, but we need to do more to innovate and turn our ideas into products and jobs,” said Business Secretary Cable. “I don't want the UK to miss out on any opportunities to create economic growth through manufacturing. “This centre will work with our world class universities and international businesses based in the South West and across the UK, to develop and commercialise new technologies. Its work will strengthen our manufacturing sector, exploiting the next generation of advanced composite materials and helping maintain our global lead in this technology area. I look forward to seeing what they produce.”  Jim Godman, Chair of the NCC's Steering Board, added: “We are delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to formally launch our new centre and highlight that we are well and truly open for business. The NCC is a fantastic national asset and is a catalyst for real change in the industry.  It has something for all businesses involved in composites manufacture, across all sectors. We already have commitments from large and medium sized enterprises involved in renewable energy, aerospace, automotive, defence, marine and rail, and expect this list to grow.  “We have mechanisms in place for engaging more small and medium sized enterprises, because the centre is generating significant interest from all sectors of UK based businesses. We are now focussed on working closely with industrial partners, the University of Bristol and other centres of academic excellence as well as our partner centres from the HVM Technology and Innovation Centre to ensure the UK remains competitive in the expanding global market place and therefore that the UK Composites manufacturing industry can contribute significantly to the country's economy.” www.nationalcompositescentre.co.uk

Most recent Articles

Carter enjoys success at HAI HELI-EXPO event

Acknowledged as the World’s largest vertical aviation conference and trade show, HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 provided precision bearing specialists Carter Manufacturing a perfect opportunity to exhibit its extensive range of aerospace bearing installation, removal and testing tools, along with PMA bearing options.
2 days ago News

Login / Sign up