A new engineering manufacturing 'Centre of Excellence' was officially opened in Nottingham today by Lilian Greenwood MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport.
The new centre, operated by L.B. Foster Automation, part of pan European mechanical and electrical engineering solutions business L.B. Foster EMEA, brings together L.B Foster's East Midlands-based industrial automation and materials handling businesses into a single, design, manufacturing and production 'Centre of Excellence' in Nottingham.
L.B. Foster's new Automation 'Centre of Excellence' is located on The Midway in Lenton and was commended by Ms. Greenwood during her visit: "The Midlands has played a strong role in the recovery of the UK economy and our manufacturing sector contributed significantly to this growth. It's great to see L.B. Foster invest in a 'Centre of Excellence' in Lenton. The centre will be a hub for skills and jobs in Nottingham and provide opportunities for local residents."
Managing Director of L.B. Foster Automation, Dr Martyn Paradise, presented his vision for the future of Automation at the opening event: "Our Nottingham 'Centre of Excellence' will deliver increased capacity and exceptional manufacturing quality across our entire product portfolio - from overhead and floor conveyors to warehouse garment and handling solutions, as well as innovative machinery and automated production systems for the automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and logistics markets.
"We also hope to see the Centre become known as an 'industry destination' for discussions, training, seminars and events showcasing the best our sector has to offer."
Representatives from The University of Nottingham, De Montfort University and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, as well as local government, were also in attendance at the opening.
David Carnell, East Midlands Regional Parliamentary Officer, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: "The creation of this Centre of Excellence will contribute to engineers having access to an enhanced and wider range of training in skills knowledge and experience, helping them all to fulfill their continuing professional development requirements. I congratulate L.B. Foster on their initiative developing automation in materials handling which will no doubt bring significant productivity gains through engineering."
Dr Richard Cobb, Director of Studies for Mechanical, Materials & Manufacturing Engineering at The University of Nottingham, heralded the opportunities that the Centre will open for the city's graduates: "It's great to see local businesses in the manufacturing sector go from strength to strength, and provide an increasing number of opportunities for our students and graduates who are passionate about what they do".
Councillor Sarah Piper represents Dunkirk and Lenton Ward. She added: "I'm delighted to see cutting-edge industries coming into Lenton/Nottingham. It should provide jobs for young people and help secure the skills and training to develop a much-needed manufacturing base in the area."
L.B. Foster Automation employs over 50 staff at its new 'Centre of Excellence' in Nottingham.
More Info: https://www.lBíoster-automation.co.uk/
