Silverstone metrology network launch attracts high quality audience

The Silverstone Metrology Network has got off to a flying start thanks to a high-profile launch that attracted a quality audience of some of the best brains in high-tech engineering in the area.

The meetings are taking place at the Silverstone Park Metrology Facility, managed by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. The facility is the only dedicated subcontract inspection metrology centre in the UK.

It opened in July inside the Silverstone Park Innovation Centre, the result of collaboration between the estate’s developer MEPC and metrology specialist, Hexagon.

Among the top names to attend the Network’s inaugural event were the Red Bull and Mercedes Formula 1 teams, Delta Motorsport, Design Rule PLM, Diamond Hard Surfaces, IMechE, Kepston, Lohmann Technologies, Moog Space & Defence Group, Performance Projects, TD Group, Torotrak, TotalSim and Xaar.

“It’s the best start possible for high-tech networking within the Silverstone Technology Cluster,” commented MEPC’s Roz Bird, commercial director for Silverstone Park.

“The discussions before and after, a great presentation from Red Bull in front of a high-quality audience and being able to introduce people of that calibre to one another – bearing in mind they’ve not necessarily met before – and get them talking in the same room with some of the smaller SMEs and start-ups that the facility is there to support is hugely rewarding.”

John Drover, sales manager for Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence UK said: “Our dedicated Metrology Network provides SMEs from across the engineering sector with access to pioneering equipment and expertise, as well as the opportunity to benefit from bespoke industry events, technology information days and regular networking forums.

The Silverstone Park Metrology Facility managed by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
The Silverstone Park Metrology Facility managed by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence

“We're absolutely delighted with the success of the Network's official launch event which saw our team meet with a wealth of leading businesses from across the region and we're very much looking forward to welcoming many more over the months ahead.”

Guest speaker, Red Bull Racing’s senior technical partnership manager Zoe Chilton, highlighted how Hexagon’s equipment – similar to that in Silverstone Park’s Metrology Facility and being made available to the region’s SMEs and start-ups – is used by the title-winning F1 team. She also explained that the team has been taking advantage of the training available at the Silverstone Park facility since it opened in the summer.

“Red Bull Racing has a longstanding innovation partnership with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, supporting our quality team with both equipment and essential training,” she explained. “It’s great to see the facility extending this support to more companies in the motorsport supply chain.”

Bob Hillier, managing director, Design Rule who attended the launch event enthused: “The new metrology network at Silverstone highlights two of the region’s fortés – collaboration and innovation. The facility lowers the barriers to expensive measuring and inspection equipment and this is particularly important for start-ups and SMEs who don’t have the buying power of larger companies.

“The new metrology network sits at the heart of Silverstone’s high-tech engineering sector. It strengthens a ‘tech cluster’ that promotes world-leading innovation and collaboration.”

Silverstone Park Technology Cluster http://silverstone-park.com/hptm-cluster-research/

Silverstone Park Metrology Facility http://silverstone-park.com/hptm-cluster-research/metrology-facility/

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence www.hexagonmi.com

Related Articles

New appointment at the Royal Academy of Engineering

Professor Xiangqian (Jane) Jiang FREng from The University of Huddersfield has been appointed as the Royal Academy Engineering/Renishaw Chair in Precision Metrology. She will be developing precise measurement tools for new smart automated connected production lines.
7 years ago News

New lab helps ACE secure aerospace and medical contracts

Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), which produces precision metal components, has landed more than £500,000 of orders thanks to its ability to offer access to new etching chemistry and expertise in aluminium, titanium and nitinol.
7 years ago News
Most recent Articles

Hereford manufacturer invests in new VTL from Ward CNC

Numachine, a thriving Hereford-based business specialising in CNC machining and subcontract manufacturing, has embraced the advantages of a new Hyundai-Wia LV800RM vertical turning lathe (VTL) supplied by T.W. Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC).
14 minutes ago Features

Green technology park initiative launched in Coventry

Plans to place Britain at the heart of the green industrial revolution have taken a significant leap forward with the launch of Greenpower Park in Coventry, setting the stage for significant investment in green electrified technology and skilled job creation.
21 hours ago News

Login / Sign up