Airedale International is among 22 companies selected for their ‘best-in class’ credentials to form a partnership in a collaborative bid for funding under the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).
The purpose of AMSCI is to address the gap in housing supply by supporting research and development and investment in new manufacturing facilities and training. It was established to improve the global competitiveness of UK advanced manufacturing supply chains. To date, four rounds of funding have secured nearly £0.5bn of public-private investment involving more than 180 organisations and creating or safeguarding more than 30,000 jobs.
Airedale technical director George Hannah said: “We see tremendous opportunities for Airedale from being involved in this initiative. Being part of plans to return the UK to a centre of excellence for manufacturing is an extremely exciting prospect.”
He continued: “Airedale will directly benefit through access to new routes to market with knock-on benefits for our traditional customer base as we increase the pace of innovation even further. We expect it to lead to additional job opportunities at all levels from apprentices to post graduates who will have plenty of opportunity to grow their skills through training and collaboration with the partners involved in the scheme.”
Airedale was selected because of its 40-year heritage in technical excellence and innovation. The type of products it expects to manufacture under the programme will be modular facilities such as plant rooms, hydronic modules for heating and cooling, electrical and control systems, as well as chillers and air handling units.
Stephen Harley, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at Laing O’Rourke said: “This grant comes at a critical time for the construction and engineering sector and its supply chain. Our consortium, which includes Airedale, integrates the design, manufacturing and assembly construction supply chain with leading research institutions to create a new platform for collaborative innovation.”
The partners selected for the initiative include: Laing O'Rourke, Airedale, Apex Cables, Armstrong, Arup, Beckhoff Automation, British Gypsum/Saint Gobain, BRE, Comau, Crane, Crown House Technologies, Expanded, Explore Manufacturing, Fulcro, Grundfos, Hamworthy Heating, Hoare Lea, Select, SIG, Thorn Lighting, University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and WSP.
Pictured (front and left to right): Airedale’s George Hannah, Vince Cable MP, Mike Macleod, project leader, Laing O’Rourke and Ray O’Rourke, chairman, Laing O’Rourke