Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
This case study identifies The Innovation Partnership Ltd’s ability to work closely with a university-based RTO, the AMRC, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and to support the client operation over the long-term. In the case of the AMRC, we have aided its growth and development over 17 years, with staff numbers growing from six to over 600.
Key assignments undertaken with the AMRC include:
In 2006, TIP undertook the evaluation of the proposed ‘AMRC with Boeing’ £5.3m partnership in Materials and Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing. This partnership was to be built on the shared scientific excellence, experience and technological innovation of two parties. The evaluation sought to establish the viability of such a partnership, identify likely demand, and confirm outputs and outcomes associated with the funding requirements (Objective One, South Yorkshire). TIP undertook a significant EU stakeholder engagement survey and identified the key benefits of such a relationship, i.e., added value, and market gap analysis across Europe, a requirement for EU funding and undertake local demand analysis. On the strength on this exercise, TIP was commissioned in 2009 by the two Midlands RDAs, Advantage West Midlands and the East Midlands Regional Development Agency, to undertake a similar exercise, which led to the creation of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.
In 2008, TIP was commissioned by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership to undertake a market appraisal exercise for the proposed AMRC North West, a purpose-built site near the BAE Systems operations in Samlesbury, to support a proposed £25m investment. The investment was to cover a new build, kit out and operational costs. We sought to identify translational research and development needs of SMEs by key and emerging technologies, the likes of Integrated Manufacturing, Robotics and Additive Manufacturing. The market appraisal supported a five-stage business plan, prepared by the AMRC, which secured the £25m funding, and identified the operational model, including key outputs and outcomes, for the Centre.
In 2011, TIP was commissioned to evaluate the Centre of Excellence in Customised Academy (CECA), established in 2008, a £10m, three-year Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCFE) project. This was a collaboration between the Universities of Sheffield (AMRC), Loughborough and Nottingham, with many industrial partners, including Rolls Royce, Airbus Industries and many Aerospace Tier Ones. The project had several objectives, not least to research and undertake translational research in the field of large-scale and difficult assemblies. The evaluation sought to identify outputs and outcomes, and value for money. As such, the Consultants held personal interviews with 50 key beneficiaries, including SMEs and large enterprises.
In 2014 (mid-term) and 2016 (final) TIP completed the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) evaluations of the National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC), a £3.8m project, following NAMTEC joining the AMRC Group in July 2012. The AMRC sought a relationship with NAMTEC due to the Centre having access to 20,000 enterprises (many SMEs) and significant market reach. For this evaluation exercise, TIP commissioned a survey of over 200 project beneficiaries to identify overall benefits of engagement, in order to fully assess value for money, how the NAMTEC/AMRC partnership had met beneficiary needs and how support could continue post-funding. We also produced a business model for follow-on funding.
In 2017, TIP undertook an economic appraisal in support of a bid (£7.2m) to Sheffield City Council/LEP for the creation of a Lightweighting Centre. The economic impact appraisal identified the likely return on investment and the importance to the Region and key sectors, including the Automotive sector. Shortly after the funding was confirmed, McLaren Cars announced its £50m investment by way of a new build adjacent to the AMP.
In 2018, TIP was commissioned by Welsh Government and the University of Sheffield to produce the first five-year operational plan for AMRC Cymru. The operational plan identified the likely reach and significance of the proposed site, extending from supporting Airbus Industries, particularly the ‘Wing of the Future’, into the supply chain and, indeed, other key markets, including markets new to the AMRC, such as Food & Drink and Packaging. The operational plan was well received, additional activities were implemented and the funding, circa £25m, was secured. The Consultants went on to assist in identifying and securing funding, at no cost, for £4m of research income.
During our longstanding relationship with the AMRC, we have facilitated introductions with many large companies, including Tata Steel, Aston Martin and Babcock, and numerous SMEs resulting in transformational research and knowledge exchange projects.