Hi-tech engineering centre opened
INNOVATION: Delegates unveil the plaque at the centre that is located at the Bellville Campus.
Friday, 23 March 2012
CPUT has added another state-of-the-art centre to its already impressive list - the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC).
The centre is a joint venture between CPUT, the French Ministry of Education, Dassault Systems and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and is the first of its kind in Africa and only the fifth to be set up in the world.
The Bellville-based centre will train engineering students how to use specialised computer software, which will allow them to become skilled in virtual product design, development and manufacturing.
Speaking at the recent launch, Jacques Kurkdjian, a representative from Dassault Systems, said their investment in CPUT, will allow the university to address the shortages facing the engineering sector.
EXPERT: Dean of Engineering, Dr Nawaz Mohammed and Prof Stephane Bouyer, who will head up the centre, watch as a student demonstrates how the virtual product design system works.
Although South African companies make use of this software, universities do not have the capacity to train students in virtual product development.
“The PLMCC will play a big role in the development of skilled engineers in South Africa,” said Kurkdjian.
Pierre Le Monde, a representative from the French Embassy said the centre will also foster innovation in the higher education sector and South Africa.
And with CPUT making inroads in innovation, both nationally and internationally, Naim Rassool from the TIA, said industry could even see spin-off companies developing from the centre’s activities.
“CPUT is ideally positioned to host this center because it has the drive to make it a success,” he said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Anthony Staak said CPUT is proud to host the centre, which is the second unit to be set up with the help of the French.
Several years ago, the F’SATI unit was set up and now leads training in satellite engineering.
Prof Staak said the centre will further cement CPUT’s relationship with the French Government.
By Candes Keating
Photographs by Clive Galant
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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