University to lead on 3D development among businesses
4 Aug 2020
The University of Strathclyde is to lead on two projects focused on upskilling the workforces of SME manufacturers across Scotland.
As part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the University will be involved in a total of six of the Scottish Government’s Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund projects.
Of the schemes it leads, one has been announced as centring on additive manufacturing. It will provide companies with the knowledge required to make the correct business, technology and investment decisions in additive manufacturing and ultimately grow the Scottish supply chain around the development of the emerging technology.
A team led by Stephen Fitzpatrick, lead for machining and additive manufacturing at NMIS, is developing nine different business and technology support packages.
He said: “We aim to give the owners and directors of small manufacturing businesses in Scotland the confidence to invest in new additive manufacturing processes and technologies that will ultimately improve their business. This could be through improving the quality of output, increasing productivity, opening up new revenue streams or reducing waste.”
Announced in May, the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund projects are investing £15.8 million in free services to help small and medium-sized companies develop their manufacturing capabilities.
The fund is a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with projects are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
