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University conference builds confidence in manufacturing growth

21/03/2017

To mark the completion of a £10 million investment in engineering facilities at its Telford Innovation Campus, the University of Wolverhampton hosted a manufacturing engineering conference.

 “Manufacturing Conference 17”, offered businesses in the Midlands an opportunity to contribute to the national agenda for growth in manufacturing engineering.

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Leading manufacturing and engineering business figures from JLR, Virgin Rail and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) discussed issues that impact on the region’s industry. Discussion groups and workshop topics included skills, globalisation and innovation as well as research and development.

Attendees were given a first glimpse of the £10 million investment in engineering facilities at the Campus when the refurbished building was officially opened by the Chancellor of the University, Lord Paul Swraj, following the conference.  The newly designed Formula 3 race car was also unveiled by University’s Race Team students ahead of the race season which starts on 1st April 2017.

Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “As one of the region’s largest institutions for Higher Education and a key partner of the Midlands Engine, the University’s newly refurbished Telford Innovation Campus, home to our School of Engineering, is uniquely placed to provide a platform for producing the generation of highly skilled engineering graduates who will help drive the growth the region is experiencing in high value manufacturing.

 “Telford is our youngest campus and a beacon of innovation in one of our greenest counties, where technology is pushed to new limits. By investing £10 million in advanced new engineering facilities and courses, we’re providing our students with everything they need to make their mark in industry whilst at the same time helping to strengthen the region’s engineering infrastructure.”

Speakers and workshop leaders at the conference included Dr Clive Hickman (MTC) who has over 35 years engineering experience in the automotive industry including Head of Engineering for Tata Motors in India,  David Danger (UTC Aerospace), Rachel Eade (Red Ltd), Graham Jones (JLR), Ninder Johal (Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership), Tony Collins (former CEO of Virgin Rail), Dr Russell Bromley (The Way Ahead Business Centre Ltd), John Yates (Engineering Integrity Society) and Jake Godfrey (Institute of Engineering and Technology).

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued: 22nd March 2017

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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