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Warwick Manufacturing Group

WMG launches new Supply Chain Innovation Hub in collaboration with JLR

Thursday 27 March 2025

WMG launches new Supply Chain Innovation Hub in collaboration with JLR

WMG at The University of Warwick is proud to announce the launch of the JLR-WMG Supply Chain Innovation Hub. Working in partnership with luxury automotive manufacturer JLR, the hub is a ground-breaking research and industry collaboration aimed at developing innovative and best-in-class supply chain solutions.

Based in a state-of-the-art facility at the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), on the University of Warwick campus, the Innovation Hub will bring together leading researchers from WMG and experts from JLR to co-create impactful supply chain solutions.

The hub aims to foster a dynamic and collaborative environment, engaging with JLRLink opens in a new window to develop cutting-edge supply chain solutions. The partnership will pave the way for data-driven intelligent supply chain solutions while promoting sustainability and resilience in the supply chain impacted by a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex & Ambiguous) world.

Led by Professor Alok ChoudharyLink opens in a new window, Head of Supply Chain ResearchLink opens in a new window at WMG, and Dr Heiko Gierhardt, Director of Material Fulfilment for Industrial Operations at JLR, this collaboration will establish a ‘Living Lab’ environment.

This unique lab will enable the development of best-in-class solutions for supply chain, helping to build and strengthen JLR's supply chain resilience and capability. Through collaboration, the hub will advance impact-driven research and set a new benchmark for excellence in supply chain innovation.

Professor Alok Choudhary, Head of Supply Chain Research at WMG, University of Warwick, said: "This joint initiative represents a unique, first-of-its-kind effort in UK supply chain research, where industry and academia are working together, combining world-class academic expertise and cutting-edge industry insights. By co-creating innovative supply chain solutions, we are not only addressing critical challenges related to resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation in the supply chain but also promoting the UK’s Industry-academic collaboration for supply chain research to its new level of excellence.”
Dr Heiko Gierhardt, Material Fulfilment Director, Industrial Operations, JLR said: “The collaboration between leading industry and leading research is a powerful way to innovate. Moreover, creating and running resilient supply chains is one of the most complex and important tasks in the global industry. To do this successfully it requires creativity, out-of-the-box-thinking and tenacity to innovate – with WMG’s leading researchers being the perfect team to collaborate with to achieve our aims.”

Professor David GreenwoodLink opens in a new window, Director of Industrial Engagement at WMG and CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, said: "The JLR-WMG Supply Chain Innovation Hub is a key milestone in strengthening the UK’s manufacturing capability and supply chain resilience. By fostering industry-academia collaboration and driving innovation, this initiative will help ensure the UK remains a global leader in tackling supply chain challenges and enhancing our competitive edge."

The Hub has been jointly funded by JLR and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Find out more about WMG’s Supply Chain Research Group here: Supply Chains Research Group - WMGLink opens in a new window