Feature
Manufacturing in The Midlands Pioneering the future Advanced Innovative Engineering explores the industry’s development
The Midlands’ reputation for manufacturing excellence and automotive innovation once led to Britain becoming known as the ‘Workshop of the World’. With a remarkable ability to transform and adapt to change, the Midlands
region established itself as the centre for automotive advancements, churning out exciting developments such as The Austin Seven, The Mini, Norton Commando Motorcycles and the off-road Land Rover. Fast forward to the year 2016 and you may reach the conclusion that the Midlands has somewhat stagnated in its efforts to recapture the glory days for automotive innovation and advanced manufacturing. Of course, the region still boasts some of the world’s greats, including
Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and JCB, yet the revitalisation of manufacturing and innovation now seems to be gaining speed from another source; an ecosystem of smaller collaborating businesses and high capability suppliers. Interestingly, this infrastructure is recognised by the Midlands Engine for Growth prospectus as essential for the region’s development. Included within these SME suppliers is pioneering manufacturer,
Advanced Innovative Engineering (UK) Ltd. As a Midland-based business, AIE (UK) Ltd are quickly gaining global recognition for their efforts in revolutionising the Wankel Rotary Engine. An engine often associated with Japanese automaker, Mazda. By utilising unique patents derived from a manufacturing heritage that
stretches back to Norton rotary motorcycles, AIE have defied critics by developing an innovative new rotary engine using their in-house capabilities. This 650S engine utilises ground-breaking technology that addresses previous drawbacks and delivers superior heat rejection, fuel efficiency and performance from a surprisingly compact and lightweight power unit.
The 650S engine installed in the Westfield 120R sport car
Nathan Bailey, managing
director of AIE
42 CHAMBERLINK December 2016/January 2017
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