A SCOTS university has announced a collaboration with a global aerospace components manufacturer to help shape the future of aircraft development.
The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre is teaming up with US-headquartered Spirit AeroSystems to work together on developing innovative manufacturing technologies.
The link-up will also see Spirit become one of the first companies to run projects out of the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre at Inchinnan, near Glasgow Airport.
When the centre officially opens later this year it will be the first new part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland which also includes the AFRC as part of a wider manufacturing centre of excellence and skills academy.
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Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde and Rolls-Royce Chair in Electrical Systems, said: “We’ve been working closely with the team at Spirit’s Prestwick site for a number of years, and we’re thrilled to further strengthen the relationship.
“It’s a very exciting time for manufacturing in Scotland.”
He said the new national institute “will help the country become a global leader in advanced manufacturing through the Government’s investment, industry leadership and Scotland’s world class universities producing cutting-edge research and outstanding talent”.
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“Spirit’s appetite to strengthen its relationship with the AFRC and the wider University of Strathclyde is testament to the growing appetite for innovation in the sector,” Sir Jim added.
John Pilla, of Spirit AeroSystems, said: “Collaboration of skills and expertise of both parties, and the exposure to advanced and innovative manufacturing processes that the AFRC offers, will enhance Spirit’s ability to lead the way in structures research and development”.
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