Pictured at the official opening of North West Regional College’s (NWRC) Product Design Centre at Greystone Campus, Limavady, are Patrick McKeown, Director of Finance and Economic Engagement at NWRC, Sara Cunningham Bell, Visual Artist and client of the Product Design Centre, Simon Green, niche engineering designer and client of the Product Design Centre, and Dr Fergal Tuffy, Technology Innovation Manager at NWRC. (Pictures Martin McKeown, Inpresspics).
The first of its kind in the North West, the Product Design Centre is a brand new state of the art facility for entrepreneurs and companies wishing to create new products or enhance existing ones.
This modern facility is equipped with the latest technology that innovators need to make ideas a commercial reality. Coupled with this is a dedicated NWRC consultancy resource that is focussed on helping individuals and businesses succeed.
The centre was officially opened by special guest Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Director of Innovation, Research & Development, who spoke about the importance of design & research & development (R&D).
Fergal Tuffy, Technology Innovation Manager at NWRC’s Business Support Centre said today’s opening of the Product Design Centre is a proud day for the college, explaining that the Business Support Team has already been working with numerous clients in the delivery of innovation and training support.
He said: “Put simply, the Product Design Centre is a place where an idea can be turned into an invoice.
“The Centre can offer a number of areas of support from our experienced and skilled engineers, business advice and detailed research and testing. “
“Our experts also visit client premises to advise on new product development, process improvement and production efficiencies.
“With the right expertise, innovators can find new markets, develop new product ideas and generate employment opportunities within the sector.”
Two clients who have already benefited from the PDC’s expertise are professional Visual Artist Sara Cunningham-Bell, and niche engineering designer, Simon Green of Florian.
Both have been engaged with new product development projects that are core to their business growth, utilising the full breadth of the centre’s digital fabrication techniques.
Leo Murphy, Chief Executive and Principal of NWRC said: “The College is committed to supporting local businesses as we continue to play our part to build a stronger and sustainable economy.
“At NWRC we are much more than a place to learn, and the opening of the Product Design Centre at our Limavady Campus today once again cements the college’s position as a key driver in supporting businesses across the North West to reach their full potential.
“I would like to congratulate the staff and team at the Product Design Centre for the sterling work that has been completed which has resulted in the opening of the centre today.
“I wish them continued success and I encourage those with ideas for products, or those with products those that need help transitioning to the next stage of development to contact the centre.”
The opening of the centre comes just two years after the College opened the hugely successful and award winning Foodovation at Strand Road Campus, a revolutionary research and development centre to develop excellence in food innovation, science and technology.
To contact the Product Design Centre ring 028 71 278783
You can also follow them on Twitter @nwrc_pdc
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