Member Article

Silverstone Metrology Network Gets High Profile Launch

The much anticipated Silverstone Metrology Network has got off to “the best start possible” thanks to a high-profile launch that attracted a quality audience of some of the best brains in high-tech engineering in the area.

The meetings are taking place at the Silverstone Park Metrology Facility, managed by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. The facility is the only dedicated sub-contract inspection metrology centre in Great Britain.

It opened in July inside the Silverstone Park Innovation Centre, the result of collaboration between the estate’s developer MEPC and Hexagon, the world-leader in the science of metrology (precision measuring in engineering).

Among the top names to attend the Network’s inaugural event were the Red Bull and Mercedes Formula 1 teams, Delta Motorsport, Design Rule PLM, Diamond Hard Surfaces, IMechE, Kepston Ltd, Lohmann Technologies, Moog Space & Defence Group, Performance Projects, TD Group Ltd, Torotrak, TotalSim and Xaar plc.

“It’s the best start possible for high-tech networking within the Silverstone Technology Cluster,” commented MEPC’s Roz Bird, Commercial Director for Silverstone Park.

“The discussions before and after, a great presentation from Red Bull in front of a high-quality audience and being able to introduce people of that ilk to one another – bearing in mind they’ve not necessarily met before – to get them talking in the same room with some of the smaller SMEs and start-ups that the Facility is there to support is hugely rewarding.”

John Drover, Sales Manager for Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence UK, said: “Our dedicated Metrology Network provides SMEs from across the engineering sector with access to pioneering equipment and expertise, as well as the unique opportunity to benefit from bespoke industry events, technology information days and regular networking forums. We’re absolutely delighted with the success of the Network’s official launch event which saw our team meet with a wealth of leading businesses from across the region and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming many more over the months ahead.”

Guest speaker, Red Bull Racing’s Senior Technical Partnership Manager Zoe Chilton, highlighted how Hexagon’s equipment – similar to that in Silverstone Park’s Metrology Facility and being made available to the region’s SMEs and start-ups – is used by the title-winning F1 team. She also explained that the team has been taking advantage of the training available at the Silverstone Park facility, since it opened in the summer.

She said: “Red Bull Racing has a long standing ‘Innovation Partnership’ with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, supporting our Quality team with both equipment and essential training.

“It’s great to see Silverstone Park Metrology Facility managed by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence extending this support to more companies in the motorsport supply chain.”

Below are the thoughts of some of the engineering companies from within the Silverstone Technology Cluster which attended the Silverstone Park Metrology Network launch event.

Bob Hillier, Managing Director, Design Rule: “The new metrology network at Silverstone highlights two of the region’s fortés – collaboration and innovation. The facility lowers the barriers to expensive measuring and inspection equipment and this is particularly important for start-ups and SMEs who don’t have the buying power of larger companies.

“The new metrology network sits at the heart of Silverstone’s high-tech engineering sector. It strengthens a ‘tech cluster’ that promotes world-leading innovation and collaboration.”

George Oates, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Metrology Engineer, TotalSim: “We feel the Silverstone Metrology Network is a fantastic asset to the local area.

“As one of many SMEs in Northamptonshire working in the motorsport industry, it is great to have such a high-end bureau metrology service at our disposal. The networking event was a great opportunity to meet like-minded people working in similar areas that will definitely act as catalyst for growth.”

Chris Horton, Director, Performance Projects: “We specialise in engineering design and this new network provides access to the very latest in scanning and measurement technology, enabling us to design to the precision our customers require.

“The inaugural networking event provided a great opportunity to engage with other members, both from our own F1 client base and in new markets. We’re very proud to be a member and excited about the unrivalled capability that membership unlocks.”

Chris Walker, CEO, Diamond Hard Surfaces: “As a provider of high performance coatings and surface solutions to the oil and gas, chemical processing and aerospace industries metrology is of critical importance to our business. It is great to have an open access facility with an associated networking environment to tap into right on our doorstep.

“The first Silverstone Metrology Network event was a great kick start to the concept with a good mixture of suppliers, end users and technology present.”

The Silverstone Metrology Network will soon announce details of its next event in January (date to be confirmed).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Ross .