Jean Pierre Heijster from RAI Automotive Industry NL meets with Ona Bombí from Clúster de Materials Avançats de Catalunya to Expand the Success of the RIGHTWEIGHT Project.

On May 11, 2023, Jean Pierre Heijster, programme manager of materials & manufacturing at RAI Automotive Industry NL and a key partner in the Rightweight project, traveled to Barcelona to meet with Ona Bombí, cluster manager of the Clúster de Materials Avançats de Catalunya. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential collaboration opportunities and discuss the long-term effects of the project. This meeting aimed to extend the successful outcomes of the RIGHTWEIGHT project to Catalonia, fostering cooperation between the Dutch and Catalan industries.

Exploring Collaborative Opportunities to Strengthen European Lightweight Clusters:

During their meeting, Heijster and Bombí engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the possibilities for collaboration. They exchanged ideas and explored ways to expand the positive results achieved through the Rightweight project.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the collaboration between the ELCA (European Lightweight Cluster Alliance) and ELA (European Lightweight Association). By fostering connections between these two networks, both comprised of industry experts and stakeholders, the aim was to identify synergies between Dutch and Catalan SMEs operating in the lightweight domain.

This collaborative effort sought to leverage the strengths and expertise of both regions to drive innovation and competitiveness in the lightweight sector. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources, the partnership between ELCA and ELA aimed to facilitate the growth of SMEs and promote a sustainable lightweight industry across Europe.

Through these collaborative efforts, the RIGHTWEIGHT project and its partners strive to create a future where lightweight materials play a pivotal role in advancing industries, enhancing efficiency, and reducing environmental impact.