Warwick Manufacturing Group & Warwick

WMG (formerly known as Warwick Manufacturing Group) is an academic department at the University of Warwick, England, providing research, education and knowledge transfer in engineering, management, manufacturing and technology. The group provides taught and research degrees for postgraduate students, degree apprenticeships, and undergraduate courses at the University of Warwick campus. WMG is one of the largest academic departments of the university and is known for its collaborative research and education programmes with industry.
 

WMG was founded in 1980 by Kumar Bhattacharyya to support the reinvigoration of UK manufacturing through research and knowledge transfer (Bhattacharyya, made a life peer in 2004, became chairman of WMG). Its first venture was a part-time master's degree for senior industry staff; this considered technology and management as a unified whole, with modules taught at a purpose-built residential centre.[1] The course proved popular with industry and companies began to send staff to WMG in greater numbers.

Bhattacharya then decided to provide industry-related research services too,[1] convincing the university to loan money for a centre where academics could collaborate with industrialists on the development of new products for the aerospace and automotive industries. The advanced technology centre was officially opened on 8 January 1990 by Margaret Thatcher[2] and its success (and the income generated) allowed WMG to build two further buildings to enable expansion into other areas, including healthcare, construction, pharmaceuticals, mining, information technology and food and drink where learning from the manufacturing industry could be applied to similar processes and services.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick is renowned worldwide for its pioneering role in advanced manufacturing, engineering innovation, and industry collaboration. Established in 1980, WMG bridges the gap between academia and industry, driving cutting-edge research and education that shapes the future of manufacturing. It is particularly popular for its practical, industry-focused approach, attracting students, professionals, and businesses globally.

Key Areas of Excellence

• Education and Training: WMG offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, short courses, and executive education in areas like digital manufacturing, supply chain management, and sustainable engineering. Its MSc programs, such as Manufacturing Systems Engineering, are highly sought after for their blend of theory and hands-on projects with real-world applications.
• Research and Innovation: The group leads in research on Industry 4.0, automation, electric vehicles, and cybersecurity for manufacturing. WMG's International Manufacturing Centre (IMC) features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced robotics labs and simulation centers, fostering breakthroughs that influence global standards.
• Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with giants like Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, and the UK government have led to over 250 spin-out companies and £1 billion in economic impact. WMG's model of co-located research with industry ensures rapid commercialization of ideas.

Notable Achievements

>Leadership in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult

Achievement	Impact
Development of the UK's first fully electric racing car	Advanced sustainable mobility technologies
Boosted UK manufacturing competitiveness
Awards for innovation, including Queen's Anniversary Prize	Recognized for excellence in applied research

WMG's popularity stems from its ability to deliver transformative skills and solutions, making it a hub for aspiring engineers and innovators. With a focus on sustainability and digital transformation, it continues to empower the next generation of manufacturing leaders.