The event was a landmark moment for the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing. Not only does the new location offer much more space than the existing premises at the University of Twente, but it also provides vital opportunities to increase visibility in the region and beyond. In addition, the new venue will have a shop floor specifically designed to demonstrate and showcase cutting-edge Industry 4.0 solutions to their industry partners.
Press release
Ground-breaking Ceremony to Launch the Advanced Manufacturing Center’s Construction Phase
A Bridge to the Future
Representatives from the University of Twente and Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing (FIP-AM@UT) gathered for the ground-breaking ceremony, hosted by Kennispark, to launch the construction phase of new offices and shop floor facilities in Enschede that will become the future home to FIP-AM@UT. It is envisaged that the complex will be completed by the end of 2022 and provides ample space for 50 employees.
The shop floor will be a state-of-the-art, fully operational learning factory featuring the most up-to-the-minute production systems and advanced manufacturing concepts and technologies. This will create the perfect environment to demonstrate Industry 4.0 in action. The site will house the ±1000m² administrative building on four floors and the 925.5m² production facility. The generous capacity of the new main factory has been designed to future-proof Fraunhofer, allowing ample room for growth.
The new location is also symbolic: located directly across from the main entrance to the university campus clearly shows that they are still an integral part of the University of Twente, while also connecting with the broader manufacturing environment of the Netherlands and beyond.
Prof. dr. Ian Gibson, one of the executive directors of FIP-AM@UT, pointed out that the plans of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) reflect and actualise the values and goals of the organisation. “High tech equipment and intelligent digital technologies enable agile and flexible operation. In combination with our robust culture of excellence and collaboration, we can create workplace concepts that encourage out-of-the-box thinking that will drive impactful solutions for our clients.”
In the coming months and years, the AMC will increasingly be seeking new ways to integrate students into the organisation, empowering them to develop across a wide range of industrial and technology sectors. A primary goal FIP-AM@UT is to forge stronger partnerships across the region and produce practical and cost-effective solutions for the manufacturing sector. With this in mind, the AMC expects to grow to include more than 40 full-time staff members. So watch this space. They have big plans for the years ahead!
Why choose Kennispark Twente?
“Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Kennispark Twente in Enschede has an enviable reputation for both. Their innovative character and willingness to combine knowledge and share strengths appeal to our organisation. We envisage a long and fruitful alliance with Kennispark Twente.” Maurice Herben, Executive Director of FIP-AM@UT.
About the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Twente
By bringing highly-skilled research engineers and managerial staff to the region, the FIP-AM@UT aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands and build momentum for the next generation of engineers and managers. In this way, they ensure continuing progress in efficiency, adaptability and competitiveness across the entire sector.
Fraunhofer Innovation Platform’s vision is to lead the field in applied research into advanced manufacturing in the Netherlands. To realise this ambition, they continually strive to develop innovative, integrated solutions, ultimately benefitting industry and society.
