University of Sheffield to play key role in new GKN centre
THE UNIVERSITY of Sheffield has become a partner in GKN Aerospace’s new Global Technology Centre (GTC), which aims to turn the UK into a world leader in aerospace manufacturing.
The new centre will be supported by £17m funding from GKN Aerospace and £15m from the Government, through the Aerospace Technology Institute. It is expected to open in 2020 in Bristol.
The 10,000 square metre facility will host 300 highly skilled engineers, and will include collaborative space for research and development work with universities and GKN Aerospace’s UK supply chain.
GKN will work with academics from the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and focus on additive manufacturing (AM), advanced composites, assembly and processes to speed up the production of aircraft structures.
The new GTC facility will serve as a base for GKN Aerospace’s technology partnership in the Airbus ‘Wing of Tomorrow’ technology programme, as well as new additive manufacturing programmes.
Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: “GKN Aerospace’s new Global Technology Centre further strengthens our aerospace heritage and engineering expertise, and will keep the UK at the forefront of the latest technologies and manufacturing processes for the next generation of aircraft.
“As the sector moves towards a cleaner, greener and more efficient future, we are partnering with industry through our modern Industrial Strategy and new Aerospace Sector Deal to ensure we have the skills, innovation and supply chain to continue our world leadership in aviation.”
Colin Sirett, chief executive at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC, said: “The AMRC is looking forward to extending its research work with GKN in the technology areas of additive, digital and machining in the Global Technology Centre.
“This provides the latest infrastructure element that further strengthens the UK’s position in global aerospace research.”
Hans Büthker, the chief executive of GKN Aerospace, said: “GKN Aerospace can trace its engineering heritage back to the 18th century and we are proud of our role as a leading player in the UK’s world leading aerospace sector.”