AMP - Advanced Manufacturing Park

The role of the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in supporting the UK's advanced manufacturing industry was recognised at a recent Downing Street reception, hosted by The Deputy Prime Minister.

The reception celebrated Britain's world-class advanced manufacturing and engineering expertise  industry, and guests included staff and apprentices from the AMRC, and senior representatives of partner companies,  including Rolls Royce, Boeing UK, Jaguar Land Rover and BAE Systems.

The Chief Executive of the UK Technology Strategy Board, Iain Gray, Vice Chancellor of Sheffield University, Professor Keith Burnett CBE, Business Secretary Vince Cable and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk also attended.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg praised the role of Britain's advanced manufacturers saying:

"I am determined that we rebalance the UK's economy away from on overdependence on the City of London - making the UK a place to build and make things again. Manufacturing can and should be the jewel in Britain's crown.

"The economic crisis is creating challenges for the sector but manufacturing is playing a key part in our recovery. For too long we have seen manufacturing as part of our past. Along with communities around the country, I see it as our future'.

The reception followed a number of recent government announcements and events concerning the manufacturing sector.  These have included;

• The 'See Inside Manufacturing' initiative has seen companies in the automotive sector open their doors to young people and show the wealth of career possibilities in manufacturing industry.
• The Business Secretary announced a new £140 million Advanced Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre, which includes the AMRC and Nuclear AMRC as two of the seven key partners.
• The Prime Minister opened a new £400m factory making carbon-fibre wings for Airbus' new A350 airliner, whilst the Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary announced £4.8 million of private sector and Regional Growth Fund investment in renewable manufacturing at David Brown Gears facility in Huddersfield.
• The Business Secretary called on Britain's business community to champion UK manufacturing and show the best of British industry throughout 2012 as part of the Make it in Great Britain campaign. The campaign will culminate in an exhibition during Olympic Games time that will celebrate the successes of the manufacturing sector and encourage young people to consider a career in the industry.

All these activities are part of the Government's drive to encourage long-term economic growth and rebalance the economy away from the financial sector and towards a strong manufacturing sector.