AMP - Advanced Manufacturing Park

The University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing is set to play a key role in the launch of a new initiative to champion UK manufacturing and show the best of British industry throughout 2012.

Make it in Great Britain is a new campaign aimed at transforming outdated opinions of UK manufacturing. The campaign will culminate in an exhibition during Olympic Games time that will celebrate the successes of the manufacturing sector and encourage young people to consider a career in the industry.

To help overturn the persistent myth that Britain 'has no manufacturing industry' the Business Secretary, Vince Cable has called on manufacturers across the country to help support the Make it in Great Britain campaign.  The initiative is to be launched with a series of events in Westminster today (25^th), including a reception at 10 Downing Street.

The AMRC will be present with a number of their key industry partners including Boeing, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, and will display a number of the products they have helped develop. Also on show will be the AMRC's Manufacturing Transporter (MANTRA). This is a specially equipped 14m long lorry designed to give aspiring young engineers a hands on experience with real, leading-edge manufacturing technologies being developed by the AMRC from their base at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

"Despite popular belief, Britain still does make things and has outstanding manufacturing companies, large and small. Our world-beating companies have an excellent reputation for innovation. I want our young people and those who hold outdated views of British manufacturing to see that reality. That's why we're launching the Make it in Great Britain campaign.

"To help us do that I want our most passionate manufacturers, whether that's 'captains of industry' or those just starting out in their careers, to be our industry champions. With their help, we can modernise people's views of manufacturing and dispel the myth that 'we don't make anything in the UK anymore'."

Manufacturing Minister Mark Prisk added:

"For the last week, we have been celebrating the success stories of great British manufacturers and showing our young people that manufacturing is an exciting and modern career.

"When I was at the BMW plant in Hams Hall last week, I saw how a glimpse of what modern manufacturing really is can enthuse young people and challenge older people's inaccurate views of industry. This campaign will spread the word about UK manufacturing excellence, encouraging potential investors and our young people to be part of the success stories of the future."

The campaign will be formally launched in the coming weeks and it is hoped that the first 'champions' will be present at the launch event where the venue will also be revealed. There will also be an opportunity for some representatives to help identify and select the content for next year's exhibition, ensuring that the very best of UK manufacturing is represented.