£1.5m `National Fluid Power Centre` nears completion

Work is nearing completion on a £1.5m fluid power training facility at Worksop, North Nottinghamshire. The self-styled "National Fluid Power Centre" aims to become the national focal point for training in hydraulics, pneumatics and associated electronics.

The Centre, due to open in April, has attracted financial support from the British Fluid Power Association, the European Regional Development Fund, Nottinghamshire County Council and several fluid power equipment suppliers.

The facility is taking shape in the grounds of the North Nottinghamshire College and replaces the North Notts Fluid Power Centre, which has provided training for the past 20 years. It will have conference facilities for up to 200 delegates as well as a laboratory capable of accommodating full-size mobile plant.

The centre`s manager and the driving force behind the project, John Savage says that it will "guarantee the industry`s workforce for the 21st century and beyond".