With the emphasis on SME support and providing access to new and emerging technologies, the HIIP project will capture the benefits of digitalisation, design innovation and smart manufacturing, enabling companies in the region to become faster, more responsive and closer to customers.
The funding has been provided through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) on behalf of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The 3M BIC, based in Huddersfield across the road from the University, will see a significant investment in equipment and facilities, enhancing the Centre’s and the University’s unique technological and business support offering to its tenants, network members and wider regional industries.
Over the coming months, the 3M BIC will be installing new state-of-the-art equipment spread across all three floors of the Centre.
Investment is already underway with the installation of the first piece of equipment, a professional polymer 3D printer, based in the Atrium of the 3M BIC. The printer allows businesses to create prototypes to get them print ready when undertaking metal additive manufacture.
As part of the funding, a dedicated project officer has also been appointed to kickstart the project and streamline the installation of the equipment. Janine Downs joins the wider 3M BIC team, having previously worked in the School of Education at the University of Huddersfield.
Says 3M BIC centre manager Dr Michael Wilson: “This is a really exciting time for the 3M BIC, the University and regional industry as a whole. It provides a great opportunity to give Huddersfield’s economy a boost, by giving businesses the tools they need to innovate and grow.
“Having this injection of funding will enable us to invest in technology that we have identified as beneficial to businesses within the City Region, that we will make available to all businesses that have a need.”
