For everyone at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, 2024 has been a year defined by achievements, milestones and unwavering progress. As we look back, we celebrate the power of collaboration and innovation that has fuelled it all. 

This year, with more than 16,000 visitors and 650 projects across different sectors and technology areas, the AMRC has driven growth and delivered significant impact on the UK manufacturing landscape through its cutting-edge research and partnerships.

Kicking off 2024 in style, the AMRC celebrated three years of showcasing innovation at MACH, a pivotal event in the manufacturing calendar. 

With a clear focus on demonstrating digital thread technology as the future of manufacturing, the showcase witnessed a successful cross-collaboration among different AMRC teams, leading to valuable engagement with stakeholders during MACH 2024.

Next in a stellar line-up of achievements is construction completion on the new innovation facility at the AMRC which will be home to Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) - the AMRC’s largest collaborative research and development programme with leading global aerospace company Boeing. 

COMPASS is a major boost to aerospace R&D in the UK, helping solve composites manufacturing challenges to meet future demand for lighter commercial aircraft and help the aviation industry reach net zero.

On the back of the research, Boeing has committed to procuring in excess of £2bn of UK-manufactured goods for export per year to support the production of the company's next civil passenger aircraft - with the potential to create up to 3,000 high-skilled jobs by the mid 2030s

AMRC Cymru found itself in the spotlight as it marked five years of transformative impact since opening its doors in 2019. It is cultivating the future of innovation in agriculture, having led pioneering trials at Coleg Glynllifon of the UK’s first commercially available fully-autonomous tractor for grassland farming. 

By harnessing robotics and AI, these trials are not just about advancing machinery - they represent a bold step toward a more efficient, sustainable and technology-driven future for agriculture to showcase how innovation can tackle real-world challenges across every sector.

Meanwhile, AMRC North West soared to new heights as collaboration paved the way for the groundbreaking FoFoRAN project. With more than £4 million secured in funding, this initiative is making 5G Open RAN technology accessible to manufacturers, enabling greater flexibility and reducing reliance on single suppliers. 

Alongside brilliant new buildings and cutting edge technologies - people and opportunities are at the heart of the AMRC; it is committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators. This year, STEM delivered interactive sessions to thousands of schoolchildren and hosted events like the AMRC VEX Challenge Day, introducing them to the possibilities of a career in science, technology, engineering and maths.

With a heavy focus on people and inclusion, the AMRC also celebrated nominations of 15 remarkable women for the Inspirational Women exhibition. Part of the University of Sheffield’s ongoing mission to celebrate women’s achievements, the initiative honoured the stories, successes and values of women across the AMRC community.

This year also saw the AMRC Training Centre celebrate more than ten years of delivering skills and shaping careers, supporting more than 400 businesses and recruiting 2,200 apprentices since its inception—a true milestone in its mission to inspire and train the workforce of tomorrow.

The theme continued as more than 30 apprentices and training centre staff proudly joined the historic Lord Mayor’s Show in November, where they marched to mark 400 years of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire. 

The procession was more than a celebration of tradition; it was a showcase of South Yorkshire’s manufacturing legacy as well as its prosperous future represented by the apprentices. 

To top it all off, the AMRC Training Centre apprentices took home a haul of awards that recognise the impact they are making in their companies.

With nominations at 12 major award ceremonies, including Made in Sheffield and the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, including six wins and four highly commended recognitions, the apprentices proved that the future of engineering is in excellent hands. 

As 2024 draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the outstanding leadership of Steve Foxley, who recently stepped down as CEO.

Over the past five years, Steve's drive, passion, and vision have been instrumental in propelling the AMRC to new heights. Under his leadership, the AMRC delivered Composites at Speed and Scale—its largest-ever collaborative research and development project—and played a pivotal role in securing the UK's first Investment Zone for South Yorkshire. These milestones are a testament to Steve’s exceptional commitment to innovation, growth, and impact, leaving a legacy that will shape the AMRC for years to come.

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of manufacturing.