Facility offers machining technology to small firms

Small manufacturers across the region are being offered access to high-tech digital machines to help develop innovative products with the launch of a new £250,000 facility.The Direct Digital Manufacturing Centre (DDMC) was officially launched at the Hethel Engineering Centre near Norwich yesterday, following investment by regional development agency EEDA and Norfolk County Council.Aimed at businesses, schools and colleges across the East of England, the centre offers use of a Haas CNC machine and CNC lathe, vacuum casting equipment, 3D scanning technology and a fusion deposit modelling machine.As well as supporting school and college projects, the machines will also help businesses get to grips with latest technology and for small scale production.Simon Coward, director at the Hethel centre, said: “The DDMC gives small and medium-sized businesses a chance to learn about these technologies and will appeal to manufacturers across all sectors, particularly those with customers in the energy, transport and marine industries.“It will help bring businesses together in clusters so they can achieve even more together.”Henk Koopmans, head of strategic investments at EEDA, said the facility would help manufacturers win contracts and build the region's manufacturing reputation nationally and internationally.He said: “This facility will help businesses make products for customers really quickly and without a financial overlay, which is a great advantage.”Anne Steward, cabinet member for sustainable development at Norfolk County Council, added: “There is so much opportunity in sectors such as wind energy, and now is the right time to show support to businesses working in these areas.“The centre will help bring entrepreneurs forward to get their dreams going.”

Courtesy of EDP