Advanced Engineering and Materials

Yorkshire & Humber is recognised all over the world for our expertise in high-precision engineering, metals and alloy production, and the high-quality design and manufacturing of components for a wide range of global industries.  

Our AEM strategic sector champion

Yorkshire Forward directly employs a ‘strategic sector champion’ for AEM—an experienced industrialist who identifies opportunities for innovation through collaboration, and brokers relationships between businesses and the science base. Email Richard Wright (richard.wright@yorkshire-forward.com) or call 0113 394 9600.

What’s covered by Advanced Engineering and Materials?

Advanced engineering and materials (AEM) incorporates the production and processing of metals and materials which are used in high-technology engineering applications.

Which industries does AEM serve?

Many industries benefit from AEM technology, but key to our region are:
  • Metals—The metals industry generates £1.3bn of gross value-added (GVA) for the region, and includes world-class companies such as Corus, ATI Alvac and SFEL. Corus has a major R&D facility located at Rotherham
  • Aerospace and automotive—Yorkshire & Humber is at the forefront of the automotive industry, with over 500 automotive suppliers dealing in a variety of niche products and employing around 13,500 people
  • Oil and gas—The region’s oil and gas industry contains many high-reputation niche manufacturers, who produce products such as pumps, valves, gearboxes, drill tools and mechanical seals
  • Defence—Defence in Yorkshire & Humber generates over £800m of economic value-added (EVA) through a diverse range of products
  • Medical—Yorkshire & Humber is home to the largest concentration of orthopaedic and medical device companies in the UK, taking advantage of the region’s cutting-edge metals-related advanced engineering technology facilities
  • Energy—Our region generates 17% of the UK’s energy. Regional companies are involved in new technologies for gasification and supercritical boiler technology. The region is also home to the only dedicated small-scale energy technology incubator in the UK, Life CIC.

Yorkshire Forward’s AEM-specific support programmes:

  • Building technology capacity—Yorkshire Forward’s AEM team works towards raising the level of technology employed in the sector, 5 new technology capacity-building centres—including composites, design, modelling and simulation, surface engineering, powder metallurgy, and rapid manufacturing will link regional business to the increased technological capability created in these centres. Find more information about the centre’s.
  • Skills—Yorkshire Forward is working closely with NAMTEC to develop a comprehensive skills programme which will support the region’s high-level skills requirements in the AEM priority sector. The key objectives are:
    • To improve the supply and quality of graduates
    • To develop leadership skills which will lead to innovation
    • To increase the take-up of education subjects linked to the economic success of the sector.
  • Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP)—The AMP is a 100-acre site on the Sheffield/Rotherham border which brings together businesses wishing to embrace state-of-the-art technologies and innovation in metals and materials through collaboration
  • Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre- Based at the AMP, Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre is an incubation centre home to early-stage, high-growth SMEs which benefit from the collaborative opportunities presented by their location. The Environmental Energy Technology Centre (EETC), adjoining the AMP, also enables engineering businesses to exploit the huge growth opportunities in environmental and energy technologies.

Organisations promoting AEM

Yorkshire Forward supports a variety of organisations which promote the interests of this priority sector:
  • National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC)—NAMTEC is the UK’s national research and skills centre for metals technology. Its mission is to deliver outstanding research, training, technology and knowledge transfer services to metals and manufacturing companies—regionally, nationally and internationally
  • Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)—AMRC  is a partnership between the University of Sheffield and Boeing, which develops advanced technology solutions for machining and forming materials. This includes the Composites and Advanced Materials Technology Centre (CAMTeC), which is part of the National Composites Network
  • Casting Technology International (CTI)—CTI offers world-class expertise and innovation in the design and casting of metal parts, and is a world leader in the manufacture of lightweight titanium castings
  • TWI Ltd—TWI is a world-class research and development organisation supplying industry with joining technologies focused on friction-stir welding and laser technologies.

Significant regional AEM businesses:

Contact

If you’d like to find out more about these issues, speak to a member of the Yorkshire Forward Sector management team:

Stephen Clements
Sector Manager
(Stephen.clements@yorkshire-forward.com)
0113 394 9837
     
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