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WMG to be part of the Government’s first Technology and Innovation Centre

WMG at the University of Warwick is to be part of the Government’s first Technology and Innovation Centre. An announcement today, 17th March 2011, by the Deputy Prime Minister, and Secretary of State for Business revealed WMG’s participation In the first TIC and gave some more the detail of that first TIC . It is the first of an elite network of Technology and Innovation Centres. The Government will be investing over £200 million in that network.

The first Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) will focus on High Value Manufacturing. It will be formed from a group of research and technology facilities from across the country, The new TIC will provide an integrated capability and embrace all forms of manufacture using metals and composites, in addition to process manufacturing technologies and bio-processing. It will draw on excellent university research to accelerate the commercialisation of new and emerging manufacturing technologies. The seven centres are:

  • WMG (University of Warwick)
  • Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Rotherham)
  • Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Rotherham)
  • Manufacturing Technology Centre (Coventry)
  • Advanced Forming Research Centre (University of Strathclyde)
  • National Composite Centre (University of Bristol)
  • Centre for Process Innovation (Wilton & Sedgefield)

Business Secretary Vince Cable said;

“Manufacturing is vital to the country’s economic stability and our potential to achieve growth.

"It generates £140 billion a year, accounting for 55 per cent of total UK exports – but it has considerably greater potential. That’s why I am throwing my weight behind this package - to help Britain reach its potential.

“The investment in the new centre will further bridge the gap between universities and businesses, helping to commercialise the outputs of Britain's world-class research base.”

WMG Director Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya said:

"We are very pleased to have been selected as a partner in the new High Value Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Centre. We now look forward to working with the Technology Strategy Board and the wide range of companies, universities and other organisations who supported our bid in making a reality of the Centre.”

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Head of Communications
University of Warwick 02476 523708
mobile 07767 655860 p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

PR31 PJD17th March 2011