Engineering excellence

and the

(UWS) have entered into an agreement to work in partnership to support the continuing development of its Centre for Engineering Excellence (CEE).

The centre, which offers courses in engineering management, product design and development, and motorsport design engineering, was officially opened on 13 November by Lord Smith of Kelvin, chancellor of UWS and chairman of the Weir Group.

The £2.1m facility, which is based at the university’s Hamilton Campus, will provide design and motorsport engineering students with access to the latest industry standard equipment, such as a modern workshop, laboratory and teaching space.

‘As an engineering-focused business we aim to assist and encourage any engineer, young or old, to better themselves and learn new skills,’ said Julian Wood, market development manager, process, control & automation, RS Components.

He added: ‘We are delighted to support UWS, which is just one of our sponsorship agreements aimed at helping engineers progress in their careers through developing their skills. We hope our support in these schemes will help keep this country’s manufacturing businesses effective.’

The university is also involved in research and commercial development and will house a product design, development and research unit. It is hoped that this facility and the CEE will enhance UWS’ consultancy work, by providing a service for companies across the west of

offering design, prototyping and manufacturing services.