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From textiles to latest technology, a new era for mill
Greg Wright A MILL linked with one of Yorkshire's most famous textile designers will become home to a centre that could revolutionise the way we track goods and people.
The Elsie Whiteley mill in Halifax is named after an Edwardian woman who was one of Britain's best-known dressmakers.
Later this year, it will house a European Centre for Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies, which has been boosted by a 5m Yorkshire Forward investment.
AIDC covers a range of products, including barcodes, biometrics, magnetic strips, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and smart cards.
RFID is more commonly known as radio tagging. It uses small radio tags to carry information that can be decoded by fixed or mobile reading devices. RFID could soon be used in hospitals to track patients, drugs and medical records. The system is also poised to save businesses millions by making it easier to monitor the movement of goods.
Managed by AIDC UK, the centre will have a theatre for 70 delegates, who will be able to see demonstrations of the technology in a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, food safety, logistics and the public sector.
Jim Farmery, head of innovation for Yorkshire Forward, said: "AIDC is good news for everyone. These identification technologies have the potential to reduce costs. It means a better deal for customers with lower prices and a much better service."
Ian Smith, the chief executive of Aim UK, the non-commercial trade association for the AIDC industry, said: "The possibilities for AIDC technologies are innumerable, providing businesses in the region with an opportunity to become leaders and to improve their efficiency, productivity and profitability."
AIM UK is investing 625,000 in the centre, which will help pay for the demonstration space and business support.
The Halifax centre, which has also received 500,000 from the European Regional Development Fund and 50,000 from the Department of Trade & Industry, is expected to open later this year.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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