BHGE Partners With AFRC On Advanced Manufacturing

The Advanced Forming Research Center (AFRC) at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), have joined forces to explore how the latest advanced manufacturing tools and processes can drive more efficient, smarter ways to reduce cost and increase productivity across BHGE’s operations.

Joining AFRC’s research center as a tier one member, BHGE will work with the AFRC’s team of engineers and researchers to improve its manufacturing processes and delivery of services. Using its expertise and advanced equipment, the AFRC will help BHGE identify opportunities to cut costs and cycle time, while extending the lifespan of oilfield equipment required for operations in increasingly high temperature and extreme pressure environments. 

The collaboration will see BHGE have a seat on the AFRC’s managing and technical boards, as well as supporting the center’s core research program.

 “We are delighted to welcome BHGE as a tier one member, our first from the oil and gas sector, and thrilled to be working with the team on improving the company’s extensive manufacturing processes through the use of our innovative technologies,” said Paul Cantwell, oil and gas knowledge exchange fellow at the AFRC.

 John Kerr, VP and chief technology officer for BHGE’s Oilfield Equipment business, said, “The oil and gas industry is continually evolving, with the past few years driving the need to look at new ways to enhance efficiency, improve productivity and drive down cost. Manufacturing innovation has an important role to play and this collaboration with the AFRC will provide our business with exposure to the latest in advanced manufacturing tools and processes. This will help to improve our own operations and help steer the direction of research for the benefit of manufacturing sectors globally.”