College hosts projects aimed at boosting aerospace sector
Two manufacturing projects aimed at boosting the aerospace sector have launched in Ayrshire.
The scheme will bid to support small to medium-enterprises in the west of Scotland, following investment from the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund (AMCF).
The Aerospace Digital Visualisation Suite (ADVS) and Supply Chain AeroSpace (SCA) aim to create “transformational change” in the aerospace and space sectors.
Both projects have been established following a successful bid to the AMCF by South Ayrshire Council (SAC), together with its partners Ayrshire College, the University of Strathclyde and Ayrshire Engineering Alliance, securing £2 million investment in ERDF and match funding from SAC.
The ADVS is based at the Aeronautical Engineering Training Centre at Ayrshire College’s Ayr Campus.
It offers SMEs access to innovative Extended Reality (XR) technology, helping them enter or expand their presence in the aerospace sector.
Using cutting edge XR – incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) – and digital visualisation, the ADVS helps companies to innovate, develop skills and improve productivity.
The services of the ADVS are available to eligible SMEs at no charge.
The SCA project supports SMEs to improve their productivity and competitiveness through the introduction of innovative manufacturing technologies via the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).
It also works with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier One suppliers to identify supply chain opportunities for SMEs to join the aerospace and space sectors, or grow their contribution. Like its sister project ADVS, the services of SCA are available to eligible SMEs at no charge.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the launch of both projects took place virtually under the banner of Advancing Manufacturing AeroSpace.
Ayr Councillor Siobhian Brown, South Ayrshire’s spokesperson for economy and culture, said: “We are delighted the Aerospace Digital Visualisation Suite and Supply Chain AeroSpace projects are now operational, offering a superb resource to help companies innovate, develop skills and improve productivity.
“Together these projects will play a key role in strengthening Scotland’s manufacturing industry, while making a significant contribution to Prestwick’s aerospace sector and complementing the Ayrshire Growth Deal.”
Gavin Murray, Director of Curriculum at Ayrshire College, added: “Ayrshire College is thrilled to be hosting, albeit virtually for the time being, the Aerospace Digital Visualisation Suite (ADVS) within our Aeronautical Engineering Training Centre on our Ayr Campus.
“There has already been a significant level of interest and engagement with the facility, which bodes well for the future.”