CCAM Considers Initial Research, Elects Leaders

Disputanta, VA, June 13, 2011 – The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) moved towards initiating its first research projects as key governance committees organized leadership and began considering initial core research proposals.

More than 40 representatives from CCAM’s member companies and universities met May 25 and 26 at Virginia State University to determine the scope and direction of the center’s first collaborative research projects. Nine proposals emerged from the workshop, which are now under detailed development and review by CCAM’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC).

The TAC, comprised of representatives from CCAM’s members, detail project specifications, allocate necessary budget, and determine periodization of these projects for completion. CCAM expects the first projects to be fully detailed, staffed and underway in labs at the University of Virginia, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech by the end of the summer.

The TAC also elected its leadership. David Rickerby, Chief – Surface Engineering for Rolls-Royce, is the committee’s chairman. Kevin Schmidt, Executive Director Manufacturing Engineering for Aerojet, is secretary. They will lead the council in reviewing, determining and advancing CCAM’s research strategy for the benefit of all members.

The TAC reports to CCAM’s Industrial Operations Board (IOB), which also recently elected its leadership. Board members elected Brian Warner, head of CCAM for Rolls-Royce, chairman. Sean Holt, aerospace applications manager for Sandivk Coromant US, was elected secretary.

The IOB also is comprised of selected CCAM member representatives. It oversees CCAM’s operations and approves CCAM’s annual program for core research, which is performed on behalf of all members.

As initial research is conducted at member university labs, CCAM will continue advancing construction of a 50,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art research facility. When it opens in the summer of 2012, the facility will house computational and large-scale production labs, as well as open production space for heavy equipment and surface coating processes.

For more information about CCAM, its membership and research functions, please visit www.ccam-va.com.