Glass Futures brings together a range of initiatives aimed at driving the industry forward and celebrating glass as a material in all its uses and applications. The focal point of this cluster of projects is the new Centre of Excellence based in Sheffield, UK. In collaboration with several universities, including Sheffield, Leeds, Sheffield Hallam and Southamton, the UK glass manufacturing industry, technical partners, Sheffield City Region (SCR) and other supporters, British Glass has developed a business model for the Centre of Excellence, incorporating training and development, R&D, and prototyping. A £5m SCR Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) grant has been approved and is currently in due diligence. There are ongoing discussions with regards to purchase of land, while Siemens and other suppliers have offered support in the form of equipment and resources. The new facility is a two-phase development that will see an initial £20-25m investment, ~25% supported by the SRC LEP. The facility will include three buildings designed to offer the global glass community support through each stage of the technology readiness level process. For more information please contact Chris Sorsby at British Glass on c.sorsby@britglass.co.uk
