Manufacturing
Tech design firm forges key partnership with MTC
Award-winning international technology-led design and operations consultancy Bryden Wood has become the latest company to join Coventry’s innovative Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). The organisations will work
together to bring innovation and technological advances to the construction and infrastructure sectors. Bryden Wood, leaders in offsite
and manufacturing-led construction and pioneers of using big data to redefine building design, already has a close relationship with the MTC through several Innovate UK- funded projects. Now they have cemented their relationship with formal membership, and will continue to strengthen the links between manufacturing and construction, exploring ways to close the gap construction and manufacturing to create a highly productive, digitally-led building industry. Jaimie Johnston, director and
head of global systems at Bryden Wood, said that the construction industry would be totally transformed during the next decade. He said: “The technological
transformation of our industry is bringing new ways of working and new processes. The work done with the MTC to date has been invaluable to establish a strong vision but it is just the start.
Sector Focus Powering up
new battery An advanced reusable battery pack designed for homes, businesses, e-bikes and electric watercraft used by lifeguards and rescue professionals has been launched by Birmingham start-up business Aceleron. Aceleron is the brainchild of
Dr Amrit Chandan and Carlton Cummins, and started life in 2016 in the University of Birmingham’s business incubator, the BizzInn. The two founders set up the
company with the vision of upcycling used electric car batteries for affordable energy storage in the developing world.
Hi-tech relationship: MTC chief executive Clive Hickman (right) with Bryden Wood’s Jaimie Johnston
‘Manufacturing-led construction will mean high-quality building at lower cost’
Manufacturing-led construction will mean high-quality building at lower cost. “The potential is the kind of
transformation in other industries.” Trudi Sully, associate director for
construction and infrastructure at the MTC, said: “The partnership that we have already established with Bryden Wood has proved hugely beneficial to both parties
and opportunity to formalise this and take it forward will only enhance the support we can offer to the construction industry.” The MTC aims to provide a
competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy.
E-lectric version of classic Jaguar
Jaguar’s classic E-type sports car is to make a comeback after the car maker announced a new electric version will go into production. The E-type Zero, notably driven
by Prince Harry as he whisked Meghan Markle away to their wedding reception earlier this year,
will be available to buy from summer 2020. Jaguar Land Rover has
announced that Jaguar Classic will convert E-types to electric power at its Classic Works facility in Coventry. Combining its restoration expertise with cutting-edge technology from the Jaguar I-Pace, the award-
winning zero-emissions performance SUV, Jaguar Classic will offer tailor- made E-types restored and converted to electric power at the same Classic Works facility as its outstanding E-type Reborn restorations in Coventry, UK. An EV conversion service for
existing E-type owners will also be offered. Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover
Classic director, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept. Future-proofing the enjoyment of classic car ownership is a major stepping stone for Jaguar Classic. “E-type Zero showcases the
The E-type Zero
incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works, while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover’s dedication to creating zero emission vehicles across every part of the business, including Jaguar Classic.”
‘Our vision is to be a world leader in sustainable battery technology’
However BizzInn mentoring
and support encouraged the founders to elaborate their business plan and explore additional markets. Dr James Wilkie, director of
enterprise and innovation at the University of Birmingham, advised on how the founders’ expertise could be purposed to develop a product that would gain market access, and how to scale the business effectively. Aceleron designed both the
Circa battery pack and the process for its manufacture from scratch during their BizzInn residency. The result is a serviceable, upgradable, refillable, long-life battery that can be used in electric watercraft in the UK, or a remote small-holding in Africa. Dr Chandan said: “Our
vision is to be a world leader in sustainable battery technology, and the Circa battery platform will make a positive impact on peoples’ lives by bringing circular economy thinking to the battery space.” The Circa battery pack has
an integral management system that extracts all the energy individual battery cells, a cooling system that allows the battery to adjust its internal temperature, and advanced communications so battery performance to be monitored in real-time from a distant location. Aceleron is headquartered in Bull Street, Birmingham.
October 2018 CHAMBERLINK 71
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