The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has been granted £107 million of government funding to help develop technologies for next generation manufacturing.
British money
This funding package, which was announced during the recent cabinet visit to the North East, covers a five-year period and will allow the CPI to continue to help industry to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialisation, bringing new products and processes to the market.
The funding forms part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult) programme, which supports UK manufacturing in the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies. It is expected to boost local growth and create high-skilled jobs, with the CPI helping to deliver the government’s industrial strategy.
“We are delighted to receive confirmation of this funding,” stated Nigel Perry MBE FREng, CPI chief executive. “Our deep understanding of innovation processes, combined with our outstanding technical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities help companies develop, prove and prototype next generation products and processes that deliver highly-skilled jobs and sustained economic growth for the UK.
“This support will allow us to continue providing that vital support and position CPI as an increasingly important player in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Northern Powerhouse.”
Business secretary Greg Clark added: “The UK has a world-beating reputation for innovation and we are building on this strength as part of our Industrial Strategy with the largest investment in research and development in 40 years.
“This investment will drive local growth and innovation across the country, creating more opportunities for high-skilled, well-paid jobs across the country.
“The Catapult network plays a key role in building on UK strengths in sectors and technologies that are going to be in high demand in the years ahead, bringing ideas to products and services on the market.”
CPI is the process manufacturing partner of the HVM Catapult network, which comprises seven centres across the UK, and works from sites across the North-East.
“The Catapult is perfectly placed to make a full contribution to a successful UK Industrial Strategy,” commented Dick Elsy, CEO at the HVM Catapult. “In our first six years of operation, we have established a proven track record, generating investment in research and development and driving improvements in manufacturing productivity and competitiveness.
“The five-year funding package allows us to build on our early successes, broadening our productivity impacts while equipping British firms with the manufacturing innovation they need to compete in uncertain and challenging international markets.”