Government Impressed by MIRA Plans to Create Europe’s Most Advanced Independent Transport Technology

MIRA, the international vehicle engineering and test business headquartered in the Midlands, has attracted the attention of Government with its plans to become the most advanced, independent transport technology facility in Europe over the next ten years.

Over two separate meetings in recent weeks – one with Nick Clegg MP and one with Vince Cable MP – representatives from MIRA have explained how the business’ £300million development plan would transform the local economy and provide a focus for the UK’s engineering prowess.

MIRA CEO George Gillespie explained to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Business Secretary how a new 43,000sqm state-of-the-art Engineering Centre and improved Technology Park would help attract international companies looking for advanced engineering expertise and facilities – creating over 2,000 jobs in the process.

During the meeting Nick Clegg said:

“This is all very impressive. It is great to see a company coming forward with plans that can not only spearhead an industry but also bring together a strong regional business community. 

“MIRA’s plans would make a big difference to jobs in the area and help Britain’s aspirations to be at the forefront of Technology and Innovation Centres. I wish you all the best in implementing them.”

Afterwards George Gillespie commented:

 “The Deputy Prime Minister and the Business Secretary were both well informed and particularly interested in our work into emerging technologies such as low carbon vehicles.

“MIRA is at the forefront of pioneering new technologies including intelligent transport systems and unmanned ground vehicles that are becoming highly sought after both at home and abroad – and I think that they recognised MIRA is a fantastic opportunity not just for the region but for the UK.”

2010 was a record year for MIRA with turnover up 30 per cent to £37million and with increasing demand for high value-added engineering services the business is aiming to grow turnover by a further 100 per cent over the next five years – with international growth expected to rise from 18 to 45 per cent thanks to anticipated growth across Europe and Asia.

MIRA’s expertise encompasses: engineering consultancy, R&D, technology development, design engineering, controls and electronics, computer simulation, test development, validation and certification for the automotive, defence, aerospace and rail sectors.

More information about MIRA’s development plans is available at www.miratechnologypark.com