The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and global aviation supplier GKN Aerospace have entered into a long-term partnership to develop advanced technologies for the aerospace industry.

They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to progress a series of research themes at the AMRC’s ‘state of the art’ Factory 2050.

GKN Aerospace (www.gkn.com)is a strategic supplier to Airbus, Boeing and other leading aircraft manufacturers and plays a critical role in the UK aerospace industry; it has been a member of the AMRC for a number of years.

Colin Sirett, CEO of the AMRC (www.amrc.co.uk), said: “We will be looking at future manufacturing systems and the digital linkage of those systems with the customer, plus the development of metallic machining technology.

"The AMRC will also have a core role in developing GKN’s ‘Wing of Tomorrow’ technology, which will include large-scale assembly, metal materials machining and opportunities for castings.”

GKN Aerospace works closely with universities, suppliers and customers to develop new technology to improve aircraft efficiency — reducing aircraft cost, weight and emissions.

It serves more than 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. As part of the MoU, Robert Sharman, its global head of additive manufacturing, will work with the AMRC’s AM research team as an associate professor.