Sir Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB, officially opened the new Learning Resources Centre at Harper Adams University College today.
Named 'The Bamford Library' after the Bamford family, and located at the heart of the College campus, the spectacular building houses state of the art library facilities, and computing and engineering design suites that will significantly enhance the College environment and resources.
The £3m project, made possible by a generous donation from JCB together with funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the Parker Bequest and the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust, fulfils many of the government's latest environmental criteria for new buildings.
The state-of-the-art development features a computer controlled environmental management system and other energy saving measures to reduce electricity and gas consumption. It even utilises a water management system that harvests rainwater to supply domestic water services.
Professor Wynne Jones, Principal of Harper Adams, said, "We are grateful to Sir Anthony for opening 'The Bamford Library.' We are also indebted to JCB for the considerable help and support that they have given us for many years and in particular for their sponsorship of the JCB Engineering Design Centre, which is part of this new facility. You can be sure that this appreciation is shared by the many students now studying at Harper Adams and by the future students who wish to qualify to work in the new and challenging, but equally vibrant and rewarding, industries that we serve."
Each year, the JCB Scholarship programme at Harper Adams provides sponsorship and placements for up to 12 off-road vehicle design and agricultural engineering students. The partnership combines a supportive learning environment with top class engineering facilities, and gives students the opportunity to graduate with a useful mix of academic knowledge and practical skills.
Sir Anthony Bamford said: "I am proud to have been asked to officially open the new Bamford Library, a project I have been supporting since its inception. It represents the very best in modern architectural design and environmental responsibility.
"Today the world at large is at last realising that business and education needs to work in partnership, to ensure the young people who join the world of business and industry are appropriately qualified and prepared for the challenges ahead of them. It is very gratifying to me that together, JCB and Harper Adams have known this for many years and have pioneered this approach through our very special partnership. At JCB, we are truly committed to it for the long term."