The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) With Boeing, a partnership between the United Kingdom-based university and The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several leading Danish firms and institutions Sept. 1 in Herning to explore the development of a branch AMRC in Denmark -- the Danish Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (DAMRC).

The project -- offered by the AMRC in support of Boeing's industrial commitment to Denmark -- would bring together industry, government and academic institutions to create a Danish center of excellence for the development of advanced manufacturing methods needed in key growth industries such as energy and aerospace.

"The vision for the DAMRC builds on the success of our venture in the United Kingdom," said Keith Ridgway, AMRC co-founder and director of research. "Working collaboratively with organizations that have global reach and world-leading research allows companies to compete more effectively on a global market, while applying the latest sustainable manufacturing processes. These collaborations increasingly are being recognized as the way forward for advanced manufacturing."

The MOU partners include Danish industry leaders Danish Aerotech, Multicut, Terma, and Unimerco; Aarhus University; the Center for Sikkerhedsindustrien (CenSec), a Danish defense and security industry association; Erhvervsraadet Herning & Ikast-Brande, Herning's business development center; Herning Municipality; and Region Midtjylland.

"The DAMRC would bring tremendous benefits to Danish industry and the Danish work force of the future," said Torben Henriksen, CEO of Erhvervsraadet Herning & Ikast-Brande. "Such a center would help create and sustain high-value jobs in manufacturing, reinforcing the competitive edge of companies in key growth industries and helping them to compete in a very competitive global market."

"A decade ago I had the privilege of representing Boeing at the opening of the AMRC, which I saw as the beginning of exciting opportunities to come for industry, research and the work force," said Tom Bell, vice president of Business Development for Boeing Military Aircraft. "The success of the AMRC With Boeing has far exceeded its promise."

Today the ARMC is a £60 million collaboration among more than 40 partner organizations, comprising world leaders in the aerospace supply chain, key government offices and international academic institutions. The center's staff has increased tenfold to more than 100 employees, and the AMRC model has been replicated in Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and India.

"I look forward to seeing the opportunities that an AMRC would bring to Denmark," Bell added.

The MOU signing ceremony was held in conjunction with a tour of the AMRC Manufacturing Technology Transporter (MANTRA) throughout Denmark. A modified truck and trailer, the MANTRA is enhanced with simulators and machinery to demonstrate advanced manufacturing and assembly-line technology in order to inspire young people to pursue technical and engineering careers.