UK cabinet minister visits 3D manufacturing site to discuss future of engineering

The secretary of state for Wales Alun Cairns recently toured the site of an engineering company to discuss the future of engineering in Wales.

The cabinet minister toured Renishaw’s facility in Miskin to see the company’s work in precision manufacturing, additive manufacturing and healthcare. He toured the facility’s Healthcare Centre of Excellence, where the company 3D prints metal dental structures and implants for facial reconstructive surgery.

He said: “The UK Government is working closely with businesses to ensure we have the engineering skills in place to secure a strong economy and a workforce for the future. Companies like Renishaw are helping us to create prosperous communities in Wales by training hundreds of people in the area to help them realise their potential and contribute to the industry and the economy.”

The visit coincided with the government’s Year of Engineering campaign. Cairns met with representatives from Renishaw to discuss how businesses and the Welsh Government can work together to create an engineering workforce with the skills necessary to support the industry and boost the Welsh economy.

William Lee, chief executive of Renishaw said: “We have invested over £45 million in our Miskin facility as a commitment to developing our presence in Wales. During his visit, the secretary of state had the opportunity to see how our investment benefits people across South Wales. It includes our extensive education outreach programme centred around our Fabrication Development Centre (FDC), a dedicated facility to support primary and secondary schools in the area. This is to ensure that young people have the necessary skills to help develop our business over the coming years.”