Norwood has secured a contract with construction company Henry Boot Construction for a project at the new University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) innovation facility.
This new facility will be home to Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS).
Project COMPASS will enable a groundbreaking research programme with aerospace giant Boeing, Loop Technology, Spirit Aerosystems and the AMRC at the centre.
The project will involve Norwood helping with the architectural specifications for a free-standing Robot Machining Cell Enclosure.
Norwood has previously supported the AMRC by providing various bespoke steel partitioning solutions for the controlled environments supporting their revolutionary composites research and manufacturing processes.
The specs
Construction on the facility was completed in November 2024.
Emma Hutton, AMRC Director of Major Projects, said: “This new facility represents a significant milestone in the UK’s aerospace and manufacturing sector, offering a unique opportunity for industry partners to access cutting-edge equipment and expertise.”
Working collaboratively with the architect Bond Bryan and the AMRC team, Norwood developed the architectural specifications for the Robot Machining Cell Enclosure.
With a footprint of 148.5 sqm, the new free-standing structure was built from Norwood’s demountable cleanroom partitions and ceilings. It also incorporates a bespoke 4m wide by 3.5m high steel swing door.
Working for the appointed main contractor, Henry Boot Construction, Norwood also installed a breakout space on a viewing gallery comprising glazing with built-in magic glass.
Bond Bryan, the AMRC team, and Norwood worked together to develop the architectural specifications for the Robot Machining Cell Enclosure
Jon Watkins, Contracts Manager at Henry Boot Construction said: “Norwood provided a quality final product for us at our AMRC innovation facility project, with a professional on-site team committed to a smooth installation. This was in keeping with the rest of the build, which we are delighted to have now delivered to the client.”
COMPASS is a major boost to aerospace research and development in the UK. It will help solve the composite manufacturing challenges needed to meet future demand for lighter commercial aircraft and help the aviation industry reach net zero.
Image credit: Norwood
