A unique partnership between industry, government and research has resulted in a group of engineers receiving specialist training that will enhance Northern Ireland’s skills base in hard metal machining. NIACE, the Northern Ireland Advanced Composite and Engineering Centre, based in Belfast, has formed a strategic partnership with Mills CNC, and [...]
A lot has been said and written about the growth and existence of a remarkable cluster of materials handling companies in deepest County Tyrone. But, like a lot of his industry counterparts, Kieran Hegarty reckons there is a pragmatic explanation. “Yes, there’s an engineering tradition around here,” he says from his office at Terex Corporation’s plant on the [...]
The Life Sciences are central in helping drive the future growth of Northern Ireland's economy was the message Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell brought to Carrickfergus today. The Minister was speaking as he visited Pollock Lifts who manufacture specialty mobility lifts for wheelchair and disabled access. Minister Bell said: “The Life [...]
The goals outlined in Ireland’s ambitious science strategy are eminently achievable provided that both the state and industry continue funding research, the government’s chief scientific adviser Mark Ferguson has told Dick Ahlstrom. Ferguson advises the Irish government on science strategy and he is also the director-general of the national funding [...]
Ulster University scientists have secured $3 million in research funding to transform Internet connectivity and computer storage capacity for the global telecommunications industry. The major three-year project is the first of its kind funded by US-Ireland R&D Programme and will begin in January 2016. Ulster University's research will develop innovative [...]
When Gerry McNally says that the statistics around the polymers industry in Northern Ireland are impressive, he’s guilty of some understatement. And that’s not typical of the man. When it comes to enthusiasm for a chosen sector, McNally (Director of the NI Polymers Association) is a man with a passion for the business he’s [...]
Gavin Campbell is quick to brush away any interviewer concerns about the complexity of his subject matter. “It's true. People can be very wary of R&D and subjects like advanced manufacturing materials,” he says. “But, at the end of the day, it's about making products that are attractive and products [...]
The Northern Ireland Polymers Association (NIPA) is one of 5 organisations chosen to test new ways to develop skills for innovation in manufacturing. NIPA, in conjunction with CITB Northern Ireland, is collaborating to develop innovation skills between the polymers and construction industries in Northern Ireland. Both industries have complementary skillsets [...]
Do you work in Advanced Manufacturing, Materials or Engineering? We want to hear your thoughts on the future of your sector in Northern Ireland. It is just under 7 years since MATRIX completed its original Advanced Materials and Engineering studies. We are now undertaking a comprehensive review of the conclusions and [...]
Innovate UK and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) are to invest up to £20m in collaborative research & development projects to significantly reduce the mass of road-going vehicles. The aim is to bring together and develop the best UK supply chain capability and expertise in the areas of advanced lightweight materials, [...]
Wendy Austin's popular radio show Inside Business presents commentary and analysis on business and the economy in Northern Ireland. This week her focus was on Life & Health Sciences. Listen to the show Wendy Austin brought together Dr Stephen Barr, Managing Director at Almac Sciences, Dr Frances Weldon, Business Alliance [...]
Newtownards engineering firm CCP Gransden has secured major funding under a UK-wide aerospace initiative to carry out focused research and development into innovative aircraft components. The company has been offered nearly £100k under the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) through Invest Northern Ireland’s Grant for R&D, which is part funded by [...]