Jobs hope in hi-tech coup
THE future of printable electronics in the Tees Valley has been given a multi million pound boost that could spark thousands of North-east jobs.
The next generation of low carbon electronics is on the cusp of exploding into a multi-billion pound global industry, in a technological leap not seen since the invention of the silicon chip.
Yesterday the Tees Valley’s bid to be a world leader in the technology moved a step closer when Sedgefield-based PETEC - the Printable Electronics Technology Centre - was handed £20m to double its facilities.
The centre, led by Wilton-based Centre for Process Innovation, is developing the next wave of electronic products that are set to change how we live our lives - from “bendable” sheet lighting to the wafer-thin portable TV screens which until now were the stuff of sci-fi fantasy films.
Yesterday’s investment alone could spark 250 North-east jobs, a further 1,500 nationwide - and a manufacturing supply chain of thousands more as the technology mushrooms from a £1bn to a £15bn UK industry.
Tom Taylor, director of PETEC, said the centre had fended off first class competitors including the Golden Triangle - leading British universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
He said: “We are sowing the seeds in growth areas, the North-east is already very good at making the basic materials needed.
“This industry is set for phenomenal growth. We are seeing a similar leap in technology to the 1960s and the silicon chip.”
PETEC’S industry expertise turns demonstrations from photovoltaic solar cells to the next electronic books and newspapers into reality, propelling companies to prototype and commercialisation stage. It champions regional breakthroughs, such as Spennymoor-based Thorn Lighting’s Organic LED products which, it’s claimed, could cut the UK’s energy consumption by 8%.
Janos Veres, from PETEC-based SME PolyPhotonix, which is developing news methods of manufacturing printable electronics, said: “This investment is wonderful for us, and many more companies. We need to build a critical mass, a community. PETEC brings it all together.”
The investment included £12m from the Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, a £150m package of support launched by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson yesterday that will safeguard and create thousands of jobs.
One North East will channel the remaining £8m for PETEC.
Alan Welby, director of strategy at One North East, said: “PETEC has to be among the best in the world, there is still a lot of work to do but this investment opens doors.”
Nigel Perry, CEO of CPI, said: “The market is seen as growing significantly and we are working to position CPI and the North-east as world leader in this technology.”
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