In the past the challenge was to achieve integration within the four walls of the manufacturing plant. Now we seek to network, and indeed integrate across the full value chain, including the supplier chain and the customer. Our projects, whether research projects or applications projects are industrially based. Through our research projects, we develop expertise, train graduates and produce work which over time finds application in manufacturing industry. Through our applications work we seek to increase the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing industry, particularly small and medium sized companies.
Manufacturing is an applied discipline.
Realistic research requires industrial involvement. When they are employed by manufacturing firms true technology transfer is achieved and the ability of industry to compete is greatly enhanced.