21 million for a sustainable future for aerospace and engineering

The aerospace and engineering industry wants to take the step into a more sustainable future. Region Västra Götaland is therefore investing SEK 21 million in the Springboard project, which will provide the region's manufacturing companies with the conditions to make the transition. The investment takes place within the framework of the test and demo environment Production Technology Center (PTC) at the Innovatum area in Trollhättan.

Today, there is great interest in contributing to more sustainable development in both the aerospace and engineering industries. In the first phase of the Springboard project, PTC will be upgraded to meet the needs of companies. The ambition is to create the conditions for the development of new manufacturing methods that can enable lighter aircraft, new propulsion systems and the use of renewable fuels.

- The investment in Springboard gives us, together with our project partners, increased opportunities to take a greater role in the development of future fossil-free aviation," says Henrik Runnemalm, Head of Research at GKN Aerospace Engines.

Contributing to sustainable development in several sectors

The project builds on the previous investments made in the PTC's infrastructure in the form of premises and equipment. The investment is also in line with the memorandum of understanding signed between the EU's Clean Sky and Region Västra Götaland back in 2016, for European cooperation on a more sustainable aviation industry.

- This type of initiative is fully in line with the investments Region Västra Götaland wants to see in selected areas of specialization such as sustainable production and sustainable transport," says Kristina Jonäng, chair of the regional development committee.

Victor Blom, project manager at Innovatum Science Park, also sees that the project can contribute to sustainable development in more industries than the aviation industry.

- PTC is one of the most influential arenas for research and development in advanced manufacturing methods, and helps to strengthen the region's companies. This project is largely driven by the needs of sustainable aviation, but we also see synergies with manufacturing in other areas and companies that need to develop their businesses or can contribute to the development with their ideas.

Some fifteen companies and organizations are already members of the PTC, and by upgrading the arena, the hope is to attract more new players who want to be involved in developing the manufacturing industry. The innovative environment created when large and small companies meet together with both universities and research institutes is a breeding ground for new business ideas, competitiveness and growth. In addition to upgrading and acquiring new equipment, the project will organize activities to develop an operating model for the future PTC and prepare for the remaining parts of Springboard.

Millions worth of equipment becomes available

Springboard 1 is budgeted at a total of SEK 27 million and the project partners are Innovatum Science Park, GKN, University West, Kraftstaden and RISE, and in addition to the project partners, more companies and organizations will also participate in the actual implementation. In connection with the project, University West will also make equipment available for a total value of approximately SEK 15 million. The equipment that will be available at PTC within the framework of the project is primarily suitable for the production and quality assurance of components in composite materials or products in metal made with 3D printing.