SUPPLY CHAIN
How would you characterise the current UK composites sector? What trends are you seeing in the use of composites in this country and what are our strengths and weaknesses?
u Composites UK was involved with the development of the UK Composites Strategy, which was published under the previous Government. This work suggests that UK comparative advantage will continue to be built around our key strengths in the design and delivery of high value added goods and services, based on technology and skills such as advanced manufacturing. The fragmentation of global supply chains means that many British firms are now more likely to produce and trade in intermediate goods rather than finished consumer products. By investment in equipment, combined with UK expertise in design, innovation and technology, UK companies can produce cost-effective, first class composite products to compete with the best in the market. Several major sector opportunities exist: wind energy
(particularly offshore); wave and tidal energy; aerospace (through demand for lower emissions); automotive (crucial to a low carbon economy); marine (manufacturing developments which offer increased cost and performance benefits); oil and gas; construction (particularly new build projects in residential and non-residential buildings and bridges); and satellite construction.
What initiatives is Composites UK currently involved in and how is it interacting with the new Government to ensure the UK composites sector is making the most of its potential?
u The UK already has a developed expertise in using composites in many industries, in particular in aerospace and motorsport, but there is room for improvement. Activity has been sector specific which has limited the development of a cohesive composites industry and the transfer of technology to the manufacture of other products in other sectors which could be built using composites. In addition, the UK composites industry is still somewhat fragmented, which has resulted in coordination failures as few firms have the critical mass to invest in equipment to make composite structures at the speed and cost industry requires. This is a challenge that Composites UK is working to address, collaborating with the National Composites Centre (NCC), government departments and National Centres of Excellence. Alongside this there is a shortage of the necessary skills at nearly all levels. Again, Composites UK is actively involved with
the National Skills Academy and sector skills councils to develop a National Skills Academy for Composites. With a focus on developing a more efficient process industry,
Composites UK is also working with the Carbon Trust through the Industrial Energy Efficiency Project to help companies reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and minimise costs.
What elements of the industry are Composites UK most eager to develop? With which technologies or initiatives can the UK sector be a world leader?
u There are three key industry elements that Composites UK is most eager to develop in collaboration with government, the NCC and other bodies. These are: 1. Strengthening capability through an increased awareness in the UK and overseas of the UK’s strengths and capabilities in composites. In addition it is critical we develop skills. 2. Building capacity through improved manufacturing capability, particularly controlled, rapid and automated processes such as resin infusion and tape ply laying. 3. Increase sustainability and recycling within the sector. The UK is leading research and development in this area with, for example, the world’s first commercial carbon fibre recycling facility and material developments based on natural fibres and resins.
There are changes coming up regarding Governmental health and safety regulations. Could you explain a little about this and how Composites UK is involved?
u The Health and Safety Executive has highlighted the polymer sector in respect of its revitalising H&S initiative (RHS). A steering committee involving Composites UK has been formed. The initiative intends to promote the recording of accident statistics by sector, progressive reduction in accident rates and the establishment of proactive safety management systems. The initiative will launch in October 2010. Composites UK made sure that as an industry we are one
step ahead of the game rather than waiting for possibly inappropriate systems to be imposed on us, and have been compiling accident statistics by quarter for the composites sector since July 1st 2009.
Composites UK will be exhibiting at the Composites Engineering Show on stand 108.
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www.compositesuk.co.uk
40 | Composites in Manufacturing | Autumn 2010
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