03 Jul IMR & MTC Strategic Partnership
Media Release, July 3rd, 2019: Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) has today signed a strategic partnership with UK based, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
Rathcoole and Mullingar based IMR is an independent research technology organisation, employing more than 80 highly skilled researchers. Its ambition is to position Ireland as the global leader in advanced manufacturing by supporting industry in the successful commercialisation of world-leading technologies.
The Anglo-Irish link-up aims to increase research technology and skills transfers between Ireland and the UK. The partnership aims to strengthen the ties between the two research centres and promote the mutual understanding between engineering and manufacturing research in the UK and Ireland.
Dr. Will Barton, OBE, and Chairman of IMR commented,
“This strategic partnership is of significant importance to IMR. We intend to work with the MTC on research fields which are of mutual interest, including Digital Transformation and Additive Manufacturing, and on the Training and Education to support innovation in these areas. We also look forward to working with the MTC in joint research projects, on a bilateral and international level.”
He continued, “In these uncertain times, it makes sense to exploit our geographical proximity, common language and cultural approach to our mutual advantage in the development and commercialisation of novel technologies and the capabilities required to operate these.”
MTC chief executive Dr. Clive Hickman said the link-up would be beneficial for industry in both countries.
“At a time when there is some uncertainty surrounding the future of the UK’s international relationships, I see the formalising of our relationship with IMR as an important step in ensuring that our respective economies can continue to compete on the world stage when it comes to our manufacturing industries,” he said.
He added, “The exchange of knowledge, information and experiences between UK and Irish institutions, departments, researchers and companies can only benefit both nations, and I look forward to pooling knowledge and capability on areas of mutual interest. By working together we can add real value to our areas of research and development and our projects to help our respective industries manage their digital transformation and the introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.”
IMR is supported by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
– ENDS
About IMR:
IMR is headquartered in Rathcoole, and has a European Digitisation for Manufacturing Pilot Facility in the National Science Park, Mullingar. Their research aims to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability, positioning Ireland to achieve global leadership in advanced manufacturing through applied relevant research. Together with their industrial members and academic partners, they are engaging in some of the most exciting research into advanced manufacturing methods and processes being carried out globally.
About MTC:
The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers. The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.