Engineering feats spanning two centuries are the subject of a display that will be unveiled next week.
Panels going on show at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre at Hill’s Meadow will depict local engineering achievements from the 1830s to the present day.
The engineering and manufacturing sector has teamed up with students from primary and secondary schools and the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, which runs the training centre, to organise the display as part of Island of Culture 2014.
Schools and the College researched the innovations of individuals and companies that put the Island on the map during an allocated 20-year period.
The result is 10 large aluminium panels that feature developments from a ship built by the people of Peel 200 years ago right through to parts for aeroplanes and spacecraft being manufactured today.
The permanent display will be unveiled by Clare Christian MLC, President of Tynwald and Patron of Island of Culture 2014, on Friday 28th November.
Adrian Harrison, the Engineering Sector Skills Champion, has organised the project. He said:
‘The Island has a proud history of engineering and innovation and this strength has led to a sector that today employs some 3,000 people in 173 companies and makes a significant contribution to the Manx economy.
‘The display, which has been nine months in the planning, features some of the Island’s landmark achievements over the years – ranging from the world’s largest water wheel in Laxey and the famous steam and electric railways through to practical inventions such as the kettle thermostat and intricate creations such as handmade luxury wristwatches.
‘The panels also depict the major role Island companies play in the aviation sector and the fact one local company has even manufactured optics for the Mars Curiosity Rover.’
Mr Harrison said:
‘Hopefully the display will encourage our trainee engineers to develop their skills so they can continue the great tradition of creating some of the world’s best engineering products.’
Tony Wild MLC, a political member of the both the Department of Education and Children and Department of Economic Development, has been heavily involved in the project.
He said:
‘The Isle of Man Government has invested £1 million and worked closely with the engineering and manufacturing sector to create a centre of excellence for training at Hill’s Meadow that opened this autumn and that will educate those who’ll keep Manx engineering to the fore in years to come.
‘This is therefore the perfect venue for a display celebrating 200 years of outstanding innovation and achievement by Manx engineers.’
Members of the public who wish to view the display should contact John.Cashin@iomcollege.ac.im or ring +44 1624 648300.
