News: AMRC in PMQs

The work of The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in Rotherham was recognised by the Prime Minister in parliament last week.



It was part of a celebration of the centre's tenth anniversary with representatives taking the manufacturing message to Downing Street. It also included an Early Day Motion signed by the Business Select Committee, a Downing Street reception and seminar, plus a large Rolls-Royce Trent engine and the AMRC's manufacturing transporter (MANTRA) were on show at Westminster.

This morning, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced that the AMRC has been awarded funding from the government's Regional Growth Fund. More on this story to follow.

Paul Blomfield MP, who constituency includes Sheffield University, asked the Prime Minister about the the success of the AMRC during Prime Minister's Questions.

David Cameron responded: "I am pleased to note that the Deputy Prime Minister hosted Sheffield University at No. 10 Downing street to celebrate its success. I think we are seeing some positive signs of rebalancing in our economy."

Professor Keith Ridgway OBE, co-founder and research director of the AMRC, said: "We were delighted to have the opportunity to visit Westminster and showcase the high value manufacturing which is going on in Sheffield city region.

"We were grateful for the strong support of our industrial partners, local MPs and Sheffield and Rotherham councils who attended the seminar and made the event such a tremendous success."

Professor Keith Burnett, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, added: "We're very proud of how the University of Sheffield, through the AMRC, is contributing to the advanced manufacturing expertise in the Sheffield city region.

"Not only are we finding innovative ways to manufacture, we're also developing the skills of young people through our apprentice scheme. It was fantastic to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the AMRC by showcasing its fantastic work to key policy makers and I look forward to the next ten years."

The AMRC, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, already enjoys a fantastic global reputation. It is a £100m collaboration among more than 40 partner organisations, comprising world leaders in the supply chain, key government offices and international academic institutions.

AMRC website

Images: amrc.co.uk / Cabinet Office