Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett yesterday officially opened a major new national scientific research and development facility in Clayton.
Launching the CSIRO Rapid Automated Materials Processing (RAMP) centre, Mr Hodgett said it would significantly add to the research and development capabilities of Victoria and Australia.
“In partnership with industry and academic institutions, the RAMP centre is enhancing the research and adoption of smart materials to create better products, processes and services across sectors including manufacturing, mineral resources, chemical, health and agribusiness,” Mr Hodgett said.
“It means a faster introduction of new materials into the marketplace, which is rarely possible using standard research and development techniques.”
The RAMP centre streamlines the development of new advanced materials using robotic and automated equipment combined with the expertise of CSIRO researchers.
According to the media release by the Premier of Victoria, RAMP’s collaborations with industry and other research and development organisations, such as the nearby Australian Synchrotron and Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, offered substantial opportunities to Victorian manufacturers.
“The capabilities of the infrastructure and the people at the RAMP centre can significantly boost the productivity, growth and export markets of Victorian and Australian businesses,” Mr Hodgett said.
“The RAMP Centre adds to Australia’s largest cluster of science-based companies and scientific research laboratories that form the Manufacturing and Materials Precinct in Clayton, which includes Telstra, the Australia Synchrotron, the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, the National Stem Cell Centre, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University and hundreds of small technological businesses working in collaboration with the larger institutions.”
