Festival to put sector back in the spotlight

The Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield, will see 25 major employers open their doors to young people and organisers hope the March events will also create the opportunity for firms to make contacts and win new business.

The festival, which runs between March 14 and 24, has also joined forces with National Science and Engineering Week, which has been organised locally by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, with local schools, museums, industry and the business community.

Emma Tiernan, director of Square 5, one of the organisers, sad the events will re-enforce Britain’s reputation as a leader in manufacturing and advanced engineering despite the impact of public sector spending cuts. Sheffield Forgemasters, which had an £80m loan cancelled by the coalition, is one of the highest-profile victims of the austerity measures.

“Sheffield city region is recognised all over the world for its expertise in high precision manufacturing,” Ms Tiernan said.

“It will highlight what is still happening in South Yorkshire, generating interest and helping manufacturers win new work. It is a chance to say we are still thriving and we are still here.”

Nick Clegg, deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP, will appear at an event on March 17 while students and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to learn more about some of South Yorkshire’s leading manufacturers, including print finisher Rollem, heavy engineer DavyMarkham, Sheffield Forgemasters, stainless steel fixings firm Ancon, aerospace engineer Firth Rixson, metal manufacturer MTL Group, Indian steelmaker Tata, Newburgh Engineering, Siemens VAI and orthopaedic implant firm Joint Replacement Instrumentation.

The festival’s link with National Science and Engineering Week created a stronger message about the careers available while minimising the disruption to school and college classes.

Reverend Dr Richard Walton, reader in education at Sheffield Hallam and director of science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach organisation STEMPOINT, said: “This shows the important link that has been established between industry and education in the Sheffield region and acknowledges how science and engineering can help create the manufacturers of the future.”

Stuart Murphy, managing director at Rollem, said: “It’s great to see such a diverse selection of organisations joining forces to take part in this and I urge schools to take advantage of the opportunity. This is a fantastic chance for young people to get a real taste of the industry and I hope that the open days are an inspiration.”

The festival features exhibitions, conferences and workshops. It also includes the Manufacturing Convention, which brings together executives from Boeing, Siemens UK, Tata Steel and Westinghouse to discuss how industry can support David Cameron’s vision of a rebalanced economy.

Sir Roger Bone, president of Boeing; Mike Tynan, vice-president of Westinghouse and Juergen Maier, managing director of Siemens UK Industry Sector will speak at the event on March 15.

Mr Tynan said: “The Sheffield region is the heartland of manufacturing and engineering in the UK with a globally recognised heritage for innovation and quality.

“As the Government demands even more growth from the manufacturing sector, it is crucial that we look at future-proofing the industry, looking at emerging markets as well as established ones, and focusing on low-carbon sources of energy and the next-generation of manufacturers.”

Mr Maier said: “Manufacturing has made a magnificent turn-around to drive the UK’s broader economic recovery in 2011.

“As the economy slows, manufacturers now need to hold their nerve and stay confident by boosting investment in skills, plant and technology and the coalition Government can do more to support the whole image and profile of manufacturing.”

Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield is organised by Square 5 in partnership with Creativesheffield and Business and Education South Yorkshire, and is sponsored by Firth Rixson and law firm Nabarro.

National Science and Engineering Week was created to celebrate British research and innovation.