Welsh Assembly Government Minister visits Fab Lab Manchester
24/01/2011 The Manufacturing Institute
Lesley Griffiths AM, the Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Welsh Assembly Government made a special visit to Manchester to review the city's Fab Lab, meet the staff, inventors and see the innovative steps Manchester has taken city-wide in offering this unique opportunity to help encourage the consumers of today to be the producers of tomorrow.Fab Lab, The Manufacturing Institute's and the UK's first fully kitted hi-tech fabrication workshop, allows anyone from young children through to entrepreneurs and businesses to bring their ideas and inventions to life.
The Fab Lab is filled with computer controlled fabrication equipment - such as 3D printers, laser cutters, milling machines, sewing and embroidery machines as well as a full variety of electronic components and materials needed to convert an idea into a real product - yet technical skills aren't needed as Fab Lab is staffed by qualified, devoted engineers and techies.
The Minister was also introduced to Julie Devenney (photographed here with the Minister and Fab Lab Manager, Haydn Insley[right to left]), inventor of an innovative baby buggy, who is looking to turn her patented idea into a prototype prior to finding a manufacturer. Julie told the Minister that she wanted to have her design manufactured in the North West rather than abroad, as she feels the advantages of being able to talk with, or visit a local manufacturer, as well as supporting the UK's economy, far outweigh having her product manufactured overseas.
Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said she was impressed by the role FabLab played in stimulating, supporting and encouraging innovation.
"It is a simple but extremely clever idea. I was particularly interested in its open access policy, which means that anyone can use the facilities and benefit from the help and advice available. It is obviously proving to be very popular with people of all ages which in turn is stimulating and encouraging innovation.
"FabLab's business support role could also prove to be extremely helpful for small and medium sized enterprises developing new products on limited budgets."
Julie Madigan, Chief Executive of The Manufacturing Institute added:
"One of the very appealing aspects of Fab Lab is that it has the ability to empower individuals, rather than institutions, to make things. It is unique in imbuing a sense of ownership by the community that it is located in.
"It's all about encouraging consumers to become producers and to instill the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy in people's minds, especially those of youngsters, who will be the adults and potential manufacturers of tomorrow.
"That there is an interest in such an initiative there can be no doubt, with over 1,500 visitors - from schoolchildren to major manufacturers - having used Fab Lab since its inception last May."
Neville Chamberlain CBE, Chairman of The Manufacturing Institute, together with
Chief Executive Julie Madigan welcomed the Minister, who was accompanied on the visit by Dr Robert Hoyle, senior manager at the Welsh Assembly Government's Engineering Centre for Manufacturing and Materials and Sarah Gwilliam, Diary Secretary to Lesley Griffiths AM, Welsh Assembly Government.
For further information, please contact Edward Moss:
The Manufacturing Institute
Tel: 0161 875 2462
Mob: 07530 452 529
ed.moss@manufacturinginstitute.co.uk
www.manufacturinginstitute.co.uk
Print this articleShare article:
Process and Control Today are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles and images. Click here to email us about any errors or omissions contained within this article.