The UK government is planning to invest more than 30 million pounds into the creation of a national centre for 3D printing technology and to boost research in aerospace industry in a bid to put Britain at the forefront of the developing industry. Of the government funding, 15million pounds will be contributed by the government from the taxpayers’ money to fund a new aerospace technology centre at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry. In addition, another 15.3 million pounds will help create a new national centre for additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, which will develop new products for aero-engines and aircraft landing gears, as well as automotive and medical devices. The government funding will be matched by industry to take the total to 60 million pounds. The 3D printing facility will be built at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, and will develop new products for aero-engines and aircraft landing gears, as well as automotive and medical devices. It will provide a national base for 3D printing. The aerospace centre will be based on an extension of the same site.
Stating that MTC will develop new materials for use in planes, jet engines and civil helicopters, chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said, « We are already the best in Europe for aerospace and I want to do even better. Up to 27,000 new planes are needed between now and 2030, worth billions of pounds to the UK economy in contracts. That is why I am announcing today that, together with industry, we will invest around 60 million pounds in a dedicated facility for aerospace manufacturing as part of 2 billion pounds of support for this growing sector».
Commenting on the news, Felicity Burch, an Economist at The manufacturers’ organisation, EEF, said: « (it) should provide a boost for innovative manufacturers. It is encouraging that government is committing to this important new technology area: the hub will enable collaboration between companies and researchers which can accelerate the development of new technologies». Stating that Britain was second only to the United States in the aerospace industry, Business Secretary Vince Cable said the investments in new cutting edge technology will the country maintain its competitive edge in the sector.
