A NEW advanced technology centre was opened at a science park in Emersons Green yesterday, aiming to break new ground for the UK’s additive manufacturing industry.

The HiETA Technologies centre at the Bristol and Bath Science Park was opened yesterday by Chris Skidmore, MP for Kingswood.

The new centre will create six new jobs for the site and demonstrates a commitment to the additive manufacturing industry, forecasted to be worth $3.5 billion by 2017.

Mike Adams, CEO of HiETA, said: “We are very proud of the progress that HiETA has made over the last four years. This is testament to the collaborative environment that we call our home, Bristol and Bath Science Park.

“The park’s grow on space is the perfect location for our new centre, where we have already seen some fascinating solutions come to life. We look forward to more of the same in the years to come.”

Chris Skidmore MP, said: “As the local MP I am honoured to open HiETA’s new technology centre. The West of England is paving the way in science, engineering and technology and today’s opening at Bristol and Bath Science Park highlights a great example of this.

“High value manufacturing is a real growth sector and I will do everything I can to bolster this activity and ensure that we have the correct infrastructure to support it.”

Working alongside organisations including the Ministry of Defence and InnovateUK, HiETA has developed components for the automotive, defence, aerospace and clean energy sectors. 

Iain Gray chairman of the steering committee at Bristol and Bath Science Park, said: “HiETA is an exemplar tenant that illustrates exactly what we are trying to achieve here at BBSP, from start-up, to successful company and market leader.

“The growth and innovation within the walls of HiETA’s new centre come hand in hand with our future ambitions for the Science Park. It is an exciting time for the industry and we are delighted to see HiETA enter a new chapter.”