Local Network Hopes to Boost Manufacturing Sector

A brand-new local business network has been created to support the manufacturing sector in Greater Lincolnshire through closer links between academia and business. 

The Greater Lincolnshire Manufacturing Network (GLMN) has been founded jointly by the University of Lincoln (UK) School of Engineering and Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP).

The network will work to support the growth and development of SMEs by promoting best practice, manufacturing solutions and partnership opportunities, and will showcase technological advances, cutting-edge thinking and act as a knowledge-transfer vehicle between academia and industry.

The launch will be supported by a virtual event on the 3^rd of November, Manufacturing Made Smarter, which will introduce the aims of the network and facilitate a conversation around digitisation. The University of Lincoln’s Director of Research & Enterprise Andrew Stevenson will facilitate the event and will be joined by Dr Michael Gallimore, Head of the School of Engineering.

Dr Michael Gallimore said: “Manufacturing SMEs contribute a great deal to our regional and national economy, often leading the way in productivity and innovation. We are delighted to provide a platform for these businesses to come together and exchange ideas, while benefiting from the support available from our University and friends at the GLLEP and its business support arm Business Lincolnshire.”

Three keynote speakers will also be providing their insights into smart manufacturing and the Lincolnshire landscape: Darren Joint, Managing Director of Viking Signs and Chair of the GLLEP Manufacturing Board; Prof. Mini Saaj, Global Chair in Robotic Engineering (University of Lincoln) and Mike Hague-Morgan, Co-Owner & Commercial Director, Autocraft Solutions Group.