The University of Plymouth and Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG) have taken their longstanding relationship to a new level by signing a partnership bond that will pave the way for increased collaboration and joint initiatives.
The partnership bond will enable PMG members to formally work with the University as its local Higher Education key strategic partner to collaborate on joint government funding applications, new commercial developments and research and development innovations.
Rich Adams, Business Engagement Manager at the University, said the bond would significantly enhance the existing relationship between the two organisations and facilitate increased collaboration on projects tackling real-world challenges. He said:
“I am excited that this dynamic new phase will create opportunities for local industry to fully utilise the University’s physical and intellectual assets. Through a jointly agreed delivery plan, PMG Members will be able to access the University’s specialist equipment, and benefit from student talent and collaborative research opportunities.”
To celebrate the new bond, businesses from PMG, including Plessey and Bombardier, joined academics at a signing event held on the University’s campus. Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University, signed the document with Mike Snaith, Chair of PMG. After the signing of the bond, guests were taken on a tour of University’s new Digital Fabrication Lab which includes state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies, and the Immersive Media Laboratory, where they had the opportunity to experiment with augmented, mixed and virtual reality.
Mike Snaith said:
“Many of our manufacturers are global leaders in their field, and this partnership will provide opportunities to enhance knowledge, technology and capability for the sector.”
PMG is an informal network of manufacturing companies from across the Plymouth area, including household names like The Wrigley Company, Kawasaki and Ginsters, as well as small to medium sized firms. Collectively the members employ over 12,000 staff, with a combined turnover of approx. £1.6bn, contributing three-quarters of a billion pounds into the local economy. The next phase for the mutual project will be to shape the delivery plan.
To find out how your business could work with the University of Plymouth, contact Enterprise Solutions on 0800 052 5600 or enterprisesolutions@plymouth.ac.uk
