Kordsa teams up with AMRC to scale up composites biz

In 2016, Kordsa established the Composite Technologies Centre of Excellence in Teknopark Istanbul in partnership with Sabanci University as part of its initiative in the composite sector. Combining AMRC's groundbreaking manufacturing techniques with its expertise in composite materials, Kordsa aims to be among the major players in the UK aviation and automotive network by developing new advanced composite technologies.

The AMRC was visited to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which the University of Sheffield, Kordsa and Sabanci University agreed to cooperate in the composite industry. With the Memorandum, it was also agreed to establish a link between Sabanci University in Istanbul and the University of Sheffield.

“As a company with an open innovation approach, Kordsa works with many different universities, companies and research organisations both in Turkey and abroad, engaging in joint projects with world-renowned specialists in their fields. The AMRC is a good fit for Kordsa and the Centre of Excellence we have in Turkey. Each passing day we strive to reinforce a larger area and build a more reinforced future. We are looking for opportunities for collaboration and growth globally that is the reason for signing the MoU. I can proudly say, our passion for innovation will always drive us to find new and better ways to reinforce life in every geography we operate,” said Kordsa CEO, Ali Çaliskan.

“The AMRC business model, where partners and industrial players collaborate together, presents us with new ideas for growth and provides opportunities for the future. There are many aerospace companies and other industries that we could join forces within a similar ecosystem in Turkey. Dedicated to reinforce life, we invest in the future to create unique value through innovation and redesigns and reshapes the industries we operate. This partnership with the AMRC is going to help us a great deal in putting a new ecosystem in place and we also expect some opportunities to invest in the United Kingdom as we develop further advanced materials in the composites industry.”

"Kordsa were hugely impressed with the scope and depth in technology we have. They can see parallels with the technology streams they’re looking planning to develop for the future and developing at the moment, so there is a perfect match for the future work together,” said AMRC CEO, Colin Sirett.

Sirett said this offers the prospect of both strong research links and inward investment: “There are all the elements in this: the technology, the potential for manufacture and then the jewels in the crown are the research links and potential joint PhD delivery between Sabanci University and the University of Sheffield," added Sirett.

The Kordsa Composite Technologies Centre of Excellence will enable AMRC engineers and University of Sheffield PhD students to work in a state-of-the-art facility.

“The site at Technopark Istanbul is 3,500 m2 and has capabilities for material and mechanical characterisation tests, additive manufacturing, polymer processing and advanced composite manufacturing methods using several methods including autoclave and automated fibre placement as well. It is the only production and test Centre in Turkey which meets the international aerospace requirements. Established to produce the technology of the future, the Centre serves as innovation hub,” said Çaliskan.

Sirett noted that with the continuing uncertainty around Brexit, building associations with organisations outside the EU is practical from the AMRC’s perspective. The MoU also demonstrates the international reputation of the AMRC as the go-to place for advanced manufacturing and composite technology.

“Beyond the initial scope of this MoU, we are very hopeful about the academic scope of the collaboration. Together with the University of Sheffield, we will be exploring the opportunity of Joint PhD programmes, and collaborative researches. We intend to support the foundation in establishing a training centre based on the successful model operating in Sheffield. Additionally, a 5 year support programme will be generated covering all aspects of the Centres’ operation. The agreement also includes a Master Research Agreement, which will search for long-term funding opportunities and will have an initial focus with the R&D Group and provide access to the appropriate Tier 1 AMRC Partners. I am confident that both academy and industry will benefit from this collaboration,” said Bahattin Koç, professor at faculty of engineering and natural sciences of Sabanci University.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)