Transport Technologies Sector

Research and Development

The West Midlands region has an extremely strong research base in the transport technologies and automotive sector, making advances in areas including aerodynamics, lubrication, safety and testing. Many are partnership-based projects with strong links between industry and the university sector.

• Aston University
  
  Aston University has a long association with Ford, which is currently sponsoring work in the Mechanical Engineering Department.
  
  
•  University of Birmingham
  
  Engineering at Birmingham has an international reputation for cutting edge research. It is a dynamic environment combining traditional academic excellence with an innovative attitude, and is organised to respond to new themes and initiate multidisciplinary research.
  
  
• Birmingham City University
  
  The Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) at Millennium Point, Birmingham's prestigious multimillion pound development provides some of the best resources and facilities in the country.
  
  The TIC is founded on the knowledge, expertise and market relationships established by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technology of the University. These relationships have been built over many years meeting the needs of a wide range of clients. The TIC draws upon strong partnerships with national and international industry, small and medium sized enterprises, commerce, universities, schools and research institutes.
  
  
• CERAM
  
  CERAM Research is an internationally renowned centre of technical excellence for the ceramics and other materials-based industries. They have been operating from their site in Stoke-on-Trent since 1948 and currently have £7 million of equipment to draw on.
  
  A staff of some 200 highly experienced professionals provides the depth of services, which are essential to the success of manufacturing industry. These range from simple testing of products and materials to assistance with developing new products or refining or introducing process technology
  
  
• MIRA
  
  MIRA is a leading independent provider of engineering development & research services to the worldwide automotive industry. MIRA is the premier independent centre of excellence for development, research, test and information, providing integrated engineering consultancy services.
  
  MIRA employs over 500 staff, which includes 350 qualified scientists and engineers, working within over 30 laboratories.. Their 700-acre proving ground includes over 50 miles of test tracks and special surfaces.
  
  
• Rapra Technology Ltd
  
  Rapra is an international organisation with over 75 years of experience providing industry with technology, information, and consultancy on all aspects of rubber and plastics.
  
  Rapra operates from two sites in the UK, with its Head office in Shawbury, Shropshire. It deals with 5,000 clients around the globe each year and employs over 170 staff in total. The company is also involved in developing and managing major innovative multi-client research projects.
  
  Their facilities include over 7,500 square metres of laboratory and production space and an Information Centre, which maintains and develops the world’s most comprehensive source of commercial and technical information on rubber and plastics.
  
  
• Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG)
  
  Warwick University has a Manufacturing Group, having links with Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, who have recently invested £70 million to set up the "International Automotive Research Centre".  This will focus on supporting the manufacture of premium/luxury products - the key sector for the future of engineering in the United Kingdom.
  
  WMG works across a broad range of industrial sectors, from the technological frontiers of aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and automobile manufacture, to food processing and instrument engineering.

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