The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has announced a pioneering new partnership with world-leading high precision engineering expert Produmax. The aerospace specialist will greatly enhance the DMC’s capabilities, with the two combining resources, talent and engineering expertise to drive the automated and digital future of additive manufacturing.
The agreement will enable the DMC to offer end-to-end component development and production for companies operating at the vanguard of aerospace, space, motorsport and automotive. From engineering consultancy and design-for-manufacture to final machining and inspection, the DMC promises a complete, collaborative, and connected manufacturing solution. Combining the best in additive and subtractive manufacturing, alongside comprehensive engineering support and secure supply chains, the partnership is set to redefine UK manufacturing.
With AS9100 certification, Produmax brings a wealth of experience from working with leading, global aerospace companies. As part of the partnership, it will operate a satellite site at the DMC, including extensive machining and inspection services supported by engineering expertise from its UK headquarters. Capable of providing full inspection reports, including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), it will support DMC’s extensive engineering talent and suite of leading-edge polymer and metal additive manufacturing solutions.
Aligning behind the Government’s innovation and manufacturing strategy, the announcement forms a critical part of the build-up toward the DMC’s March 2021 commercial launch.
Kieron Salter, Chief Executive Officer at the DMC, commented:
“The partnership between the Digital Manufacturing Centre and Produmax signifies the coming together of two experienced teams and industry players, both investing in disruptive technology and the future of British manufacturing. The facility itself will be unique and a pioneer for many connected engineering and production technologies, but it is our key partnerships with highly regarded companies like Produmax that will help to fulfil the DMC’s true potential.
“With a well-earned reputation and an impressive track record within space and aerospace manufacturing, Produmax is an ideal technical partner as we work towards our 2021 launch. Their provision of on-site precision engineering, machining and inspection services will help us to deliver a complete end-to-end engineering-led solution for customers across a range of industries, with fully connected digital support and an uncompromising dedication to quality.”
Jeremy Ridyard, Managing Director at Produmax, added:
“Partnering with the DMC was an easy decision for us to make. We share a vision and values, from encouraging young people into STEM fields to promoting advanced manufacturing. We see connected, additive manufacturing as a cornerstone of precision engineering’s future and the DMC is set to be a UK leader.
“For our customers, the partnership brings a wealth of additional expertise and innovative capabilities that will ensure we continue to exceed their expectations. Industry 4.0 and the almost limitless potential of additive manufacturing have come together in the DMC, creating a facility that will pioneer the future of British industry. We are thrilled to be an integral part of the DMC’s future and are eagerly anticipating the facility’s commercial launch early next year.”
Part of the Silverstone Technology Cluster, the 2,000 square metre DMC is intended to realise the potential of additive and connected manufacturing. Providing serial production parts and technology solutions, the DMC was created by leading engineering company KW Special Projects and made possible through significant investment from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
