Nottingham-based Bampton Packaging has been chosen to manufacture packaging for the highly ambitious Bloodhound SSC initiative – a jet and rocket-powered car which will attempt the world land speed record in South Africa next year, with a 1000+mph bid…

and this week they got the car on site!

Bampton had the car at their factory for designers to take the measurements and drawings to produce the specialist packaging for parts such as gear box, engine, spares, analysis equipment, all of which need Bampton’s sensitive packing solutions during transportation.  The company lists the MOD amongst their clients so are accustomed to such requirements.

The touring exhibition van was also on view – this was fitted out by Bampton last year and needed modifications to go round the country on its increasing number of educational visits.

One aim of the Bloodhound initiative is to be a catalyst in galvanising a generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians…the reaction of 45 Y8 science pupils from local Rushcliffe Comprehensive demonstrated this had been achieved as they were wide-eyed viewing the 12.8m supersonic car, trying out a simulator which enacted the 1000mph feel, then constructing and racing balloon-powered models of the car.

A few dozen clients and suppliers looked over the car whilst Bloodhound ambassadors explained the project, and also enjoyed testing the simulator.  Matt Brown, Bampton’s technical and sales director, was delighted with the response from invited guests and children.  “With talk recently about rekindling interest in manufacturing, this project fits perfectly with our own desire to nurture budding technicians and engineers.  We’re really proud to be a product sponsor; there’s a great alignment between the aims and objectives of the Bloodhound Project to inspire and motivate a new generation of engineering skills with our objectives at Bampton – manufacturers like us need skilled people.”