SMA celebrates successful launch of Factory in a Box demonstrator

More than 200 representatives from across industry, academia and government visited the MTC this week for the official launch of the Smart Manufacturing Accelerator (SMA) and Factory in a Box (FIAB).

Attendees were given a live tour and demonstration of the Factory in a Box; an industrial-scale demonstrator showcasing how industrial digital technologies can change the way businesses operate, as well as access to interactive workshops and high-level presentations from senior project representatives. There was also the opportunity to meet with the SMA’s technology providers in the exhibition area.

Registrations for the event were closed more than a week in advance due to the high levels of interest in the project, which aims to help businesses solve supply chain challenges and accelerate expansion through industrial digital technologies and distributed manufacturing.

Neil Rawlinson, Strategic Development Director at the MTC, was part of the team behind the origination of the SMA concept. Commenting on its development and the launch event, he said: “The progress that’s been made is amazing and the way in which the concepts are being presented is really clear. From start-ups to large corporates and investors, we can now show them how they can best use this tool and how it’s applicable to their requirements, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the whole day.”

Derek Allen, Innovation Lead for Energy for Innovate UK, funding partners for the project, also said: “What’s been great about this event is the level of engagement and the number of people that are here from across industry, academia and government. It shows a real level of interest in the technology and why the UK is seen as a world leader in high value manufacturing.”

To register your interest in attending future SMA events, contact the team by clicking here