In May 2003, a number of key NZ Light Alloy manufacturing companies in collaboration with 3 Universities successfully bid for funding from Foundation of Research Science and Technology (FRST) in the following areas:
- Alloys for new products
- Surface treatment for finish or protection
- Tool design and new processing technologies
- Product development for titanium materials
- Sector development initiative
Research has commenced and good progress has been made on all targets. During this time a “Who’s who” of the NZ industry has been developed by LAM-NZ, and feedback and analysis of the business situation has been completed. These efforts have identified research and development as a key part of this strategy. This strategy must overcome the barriers listed above for New Zealand’s small or medium sized manufacturing enterprises. LAM-NZ identifies that the critical step for the industry is to operationalise this new technology for the innovative companies in the sector.
Seven research outcomes for industry defined at the time of the Bid were organised into four research objectives, each supported by several companies, as shown in Research Programme.
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