The project is led by engineering consultancy KW Special Projects who secured funding from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) for the 1,657m
2 facility.
The centre will act as a technology innovation hub, providing on-site access to digital manufacturing facilities including a range of additive manufacturing technologies while also allowing SMEs to access knowledge and advice by encouraging an eco-system in digital manufacturing.
High-quality incubation and manufacturing space suitable for high-performance technology start-ups will also be available at the new facility.
The innovation centre is expected to help develop new and high-value engineering opportunities as well as assisting over 100 SMEs.
“Having grown from a motorsport background, it’s exciting to be able to help drive the latest technology projects across multiple industries, right here at Silverstone,” commented Kieron Salter, managing director, KWSP.
He added: “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, who has been instrumental in securing our funding through its Local Growth Fund, supporting businesses like KWSP 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.
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.
“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 area remain at the cutting edge of digital technology,” added Hilary Chipping, chief executive of SEMLEP.
Minister of State for Local Growth, Jake Berry said: “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.”
KWSP
www.kwspecialprojects.com
