Overview of the NAMRC
The NAMRC was formally launched by Business Secretary and First Minister, Lord Mandelson, in Sheffield on 3rd December 2009.
The organisation forms part of the Government’s Low Carbon Industrial Strategy. The NAMRC is based on the same model as the highly successful aerospace Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
The NAMRC will be based in Sheffield with advanced research and development work also taking place within The University of Manchester’s nuclear laboratories. These are being strengthened and expanded to support its role in the Centre. The combination of Manchester’s research innovation, full-scale demonstration on Sheffield’s site and subsequent dissemination to the supply chain will support industry in the requirement to become market leaders.
The NAMRC is currently housed in temporary facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park near Sheffield. A permanent home is being constructed nearby, including a full scale demonstration and research facility. In the interim period, workshops and projects in machining and assembly are being carried out using the facilities of the AMRC or other temporary accommodation. This will allow the NAMRC to begin delivering for industry and consortium members from the beginning of 2010.
This will be crucial if companies are to be ready for the first wave of new nuclear build in the UK. The state-of-the-art facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, will ultimately contain the machining equipment and tools, is under construction with completion by the end of 2011. Manchester are extending their research capacity and capability through the centre during 2010 to support the UK civil nuclear industry.
Manchester's research laboratories are already engaged in manufacturing research, in areas such as new materials, welding and surface technology. Expansion will occur in prototype manufacture, reactor environment testing and analytical support. This will enable the innovation and demonstration of advanced manufacturing technologies in reactor environments to support new nuclear build, placing the UK at the forefront of nuclear capabilities.
The NAMRC is dedicated to the UK civil nuclear industry. The network of Advanced Manufacturing Research Centres in the UK will be utilised to maximise value for money.
The network includes: