Acting as a technology innovation hub, the centre will provide on-site access to digital resources, including a range of additive manufacturing technologies, while also allowing SMEs to access knowledge and advice by encouraging an eco-system in digital manufacturing. Facilities include high-quality incubation and manufacturing space suitable for high-performance technology start-ups.
The centre is expected to help develop high-value engineering opportunities and assist over 100 SMEs. Forecasts suggest the facility will contribute around £9 million (gross value added) to the region.
“Having grown from a motorsport background, it’s exciting to help drive the latest technology projects across multiple industries, right here at Silverstone,” says Kieron Salter, managing director of KWSP. “Our goal is to create a hub of engineering innovation that sees the best and most creative minds working side by side to develop the technologies of tomorrow. This is a vision facilitated by SEMLEP, which has been instrumental in securing our funding through its Local Growth Fund, supporting businesses like ours in transforming visions into reality.”
The KWSP Digital Manufacturing Centre is an example of the recent priorities announced by SEMLEP through its Local Industrial Strategy. It is intended that the facility will enhance the knowledge-sharing capabilities of the Silverstone technology area – encouraging the growth and commercialisation of innovation, while promoting high-tech development and high-value specialisms.
Minister of State for Local Growth, the Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, says: “We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the UK and levelling up our regions. This new state-of-the-art facility - made possible with £3.4 million of Local Growth Fund investment - will boost the local economy to the tune of £9 million, create 50 engineering jobs and help local start-up technology businesses to grow.”
Hilary Chipping, chief executive of SEMLEP, adds: “Working with innovative businesses like KWSP to make their ideas become reality is exactly what the makes the SEMLEP area the successful place it is today. Businesses in this region remain at the cutting edge of digital technology. SEMLEP’s investment in the Digital Manufacturing Centre is part of our work to strengthen the area’s position as the commercialisation core of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and deliver on the commitments made in the Local Industrial Strategy.”
