The UK Government has approved £40m in funds for a manufacturing technology centre (MTC) to be built by partners Rolls-Royce, Aero Engine Controls, Airbus UK and Jaguar Land Rover in the UK.

The MTC will support the UK manufacturing companies and their supply chains to bring about major improvements in manufacturing competitiveness.

The centre will provide resources and a high-quality environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale.

The £40m public investment from Advantage West Midlands and the East Midlands Development Agency will aid in the construction of the unit and also help run it in the medium term.

UK business minister Pat McFadden said that Britain has a great manufacturing future, not just a great manufacturing past.

“But the face of manufacturing here is changing and we need to embrace and support the numerous opportunities created as a result,” McFadden said.

“That’s why we’re investing in centres like AnstyPark to help business and universities collaborate and commercialise new and innovative products and processes.”

Aero Engine Controls Engineering & Manufacturing vice-president Simon Burr said that in the field of high-value electronics assembly, the MTC will become a key differentiator not only for the firm but for a whole UK industrial sector.

About £130m of investments will be made in the centre over the next ten years.

Construction of the MTC will start in the first quarter of 2010 and it will open in early summer 2011.