A high-tech aerospace and engineering centre in Yeovil has started welcoming its first tenants. The purpose-built centre - known as iAero - is a regional hub for research, design and innovation and was delivered in partnership between Somerset County Council (SCC), the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and defence giant Leonardo UK.
The centre, which was funded by the UK government and European Union, was built to support the competitiveness and growth of the region's aerospace sector and associated high-value design and engineering technology supply chains.
It opened in February next to Leonardo's site in Yeovil. The company is an anchor tenant and the hub is home to the firm's research and innovation team. Aerospace business Honeywell is also taking up occupancy within the centre.
The hub's strategic partners met at the centre on Tuesday (November 1) to review progress and to hear about future developments including a new state-of-the-art 3D printing venture.
A five-year agreement has been reached with Markedforged Inc to open an additive manufacturing centre at iAero, equipped with 3D printers by Mark 3D. The investment will enable students from Yeovil College, an investment partner in the project, to work side by side with industry professionals, SCC said.
Since opening its doors, the centre has hosted a number of events including a West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) breakfast networking event; Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Innovator Workshop; Leonardo graduate development workshops; and a Royal Aeronautical Society (South West Region) lecture by Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace.
The director general of the British Chamber of Commerce has visited the site as has the head of Somerset Chamber, while a visit by a delegation from the Department for International Trade is planned later in November.
Councillor Val Keitch, SCC’s executive member for local government reorganisation and prosperity, said: “The progress at iAero since it opened earlier this year shows the value and strength of our delivery partnerships. Since its inception, a key aim of the iAero project has been to deliver innovation through collaboration.
“The aerospace industry has a proud tradition in Somerset and iAero is providing the space and support to nurture research and innovation and encourage young people to gain the skills and training for successful careers.”
Austin Chick, head of iAero, added: “In the short time that iAero has been operational, there has been significant interest in this enterprise, stimulated by the networking events held at iAero and the great teamwork within the strategic partners. I have no doubt that iAero will succeed in supporting economic development for the region. The centre marks the next frontier for the aerospace community in Somerset.”
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