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Interserve scoops £43 million Sheffield aerospace and robotics factory contract

Work is set to commence on a £43 million next generation aerospace factory after Reading-based construction firm Interserve was appointed to the job.

‘Factory 2050’ will combine technologies including advanced robotics, flexible automation, unmanned workspace and off-line programming in virtual environments linked to plug-and-play robotics.

It is the latest development at University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), which was co-founded by the University and U.S. aerospace group Boeing in 2001.

Gordon Kew, Interserve’s managing director for UK Building said: “This is a truly world class project that will help ensure the region remains at the forefront of the advanced manufacturing sector.

“Once completed, the facility will provide a fantastic environment for both researchers and engineers.

“We plan to use as many small and medium sized local businesses as possible on the project and generate as many employment and training opportunities as possible to provide a real legacy for the surrounding area.”

Professor Keith Ridgway, executive dean of the University of Sheffield’s AMRC with Boeing said:“Our ambition is for Factory 2050 to be the most advanced factory in the world.

“Over the last ten years, our initial vision to create a centre where engineering research is translated into real practical applications for world-leading industries has been hugely successful.

“Factory 2050 is a vital next step in ensuring we can maximise the opportunities and benefits to the Sheffield City Region and secure our place as an international centre for excellence in advanced manufacturing.”

The European Regional Development Fund and the Higher Education Funding Council for England have both backed the project, which has brought together the government, business and academics to drive innovation for the good of the UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .