PSP | National Composites Centre

Plymouth Science Park (PSP) and NCC have partnered to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, drive industry-led research and development, and promote skills development across the South West region.

The collaboration strengthens the region’s position as a leader in emergent technologies such as High Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced materials, and digital engineering.

Event Series: Innovate South West

In a fast-changing landscape, organisations of all sizes must continually innovate to sustain business growth and reach the next level.

The Innovate South West events from NCC and Plymouth Science Park will arm organisations across the region with the knowledge and strategies to harness new opportunities.

We’ll demystify new technologies, outline available funding and support mechanisms, and welcome guest speakers to share real-world examples of transformation and innovation.

Across four events, we’ll answer key questions including:

How can I meet the sustainability levels demanded by customers and new legislation?
How can I harness digital and AI technologies to accelerate transformation?
How do I equip teams with the skills for tomorrow’s workplace?
What are the winning strategies to unlock innovation?

Browse events

Sustainability - 15 May 2025 - The National Marine Aquarium

Businesses face increasing demands from customers, regulators, staff and communities for more sustainable products and services. At this event, NCC will explain what sustainability really means and provide real world examples of sustainability transformation projects.

Digital and AI - 12 June 2025 - Plymouth Science Park

Struggling to find the time to harness Digital technologies? Or don’t know where to start? Hear how SMEs can use digital effectively to increase quality, reduce costs, minimize waste and accelerate production.

Skills - 10 July 2025 - South Devon College

Event details to be announced! Register now to receive updates.

Innovation - 24 July 2025 - NCC (Bristol)

Event details to be announced! Register now to receive updates.

Work with NCC and Plymouth Science Park

Whether you need technical expertise, access to advanced technologies, or training to upskill your team, the PSP-NCC partnership is here to support you.

From providing expertise on a technical challenge, to accessing to the latest technology or training to upskill your team - NCC has a dedicated SME support team set up to ensure your business can swiftly access our resources. With a team of over 350 expert engineers and a world-class technology R&D centre, we can work with you to deliver solutions that meet your time and cost requirements.

Contact [email protected] to explore how we can collaborate, help your business thrive, and meet your innovation and skills needs.

Accelerating Innovation

Advanced Technologies: Fast-tracking adoption of HPC, AI, advanced materials, and sustainability solutions across industries.

R&D Collaboration: Bridging the gap between research and practical application, ensuring innovations are quickly integrated into industry.

Developing Future Skills

Workforce Development: Equipping students, apprentices, and early-career professionals with the skills needed for emerging technologies.

Industry Collaboration: Working closely with businesses to foster innovation and ensure a skilled, sustainable workforce.

Strengthening Supply Chains

Resilient Industries: Enhancing local, regional, and national supply chains in advanced materials, digital engineering, and hydrogen technologies.

High Value Manufacturing: Leveraging NCC’s access to the High Value Manufacturing Catapult network, driving technological advancements across the region.

Our Capabilities

Whether you’re looking for expertise on a technical challenge, access to the latest technology or training to upskill your team, we can help. Here is a small selection of some of the capabilities and technologies you can access.

NCC Large Equipment Directory

Winding and Braiding

Our tape winder and filament winder machines can create anything from high-strength pipes to high pressure type 4 hydrogen tanks. Our twin-ring braider can create components that are hollow and straight or complex cross sections with curved profiles.

Ultra High Rate Deposition

Our Ultra High Rate Deposition cell contains two huge industrial robots that automate the production process for future large scale, high rate composite products such as wings and turbine blades.

Ceramic Matrix Composites

Our bespoke ceramic matrix composite (CMC) development facility includes material storage and processing equipment specifically for CMC applications, including aircraft propulsion.

Fibre Placement

We are the best equipped research centre for automated fibre placement (AFP), tensioned fibre placement (TFP) and automated tape laying (ATL) in the world.

Verification and Assurance

We have a suite of verification capabilities across non-destructive testing (NDT), metrology, and a materials testing laboratory to assess the quality and performance of a material or product.

Automation and Assembly

In addition to a range of specific automated manufacturing technologies, the NCC has a dedicated automation cell predominantly used to create fast, repeatable, complex parts. Our fixturing capabilities allow us to bond high precision parts into a safety critical assembly.

Pressing and Overmoulding

Our dedicated high volume manufacturing workshop is equipped with a range of presses, including our 3600T Schuler, and a state-of-the-art injection overmoulder capable of producing complex and repeatable parts in sub 5 minute cycle times.

About the National Composites Centre

What we do

Composites for industry

Work with us