Eddie Kirkby
Eddie Kirkby is a multi-disciplinary engineer who graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a 1st class honours degree in Mechatronics. While studying for his degree, he spent a year as a manufacturing engineer at Vauxhall Motors.
He spent some time lecturing and performing research at the university before completing his PhD there in the field of computer numerical modeling of light transmission through optical fibres. He then became involved in the quality and commercial management of automotive injection mould tooling projects for Global Engineering Solutions, where he further developed his knowledge of quality systems and product design in addition to managing the IT function.
Eddie then worked for the Manufacturing Institute within the New Product Development department, developing many of its training and educational programmes and moving up to become Charity Operations Manager, supporting charitable projects such as the MakeIt campaign whilst developing the Institute’s ISO business management systems. He led the introduction of the UK’s first Fab Lab in Manchester and the Manufacturing Institute’s two subsequent Fab Labs at Ellesmere Port and Altrincham.
Eddie has supported many other organisations around the UK to set up new Fab Labs and helped grow the Fab UK network to its current size of around 20. He has taken on the role of director of The Making Rooms, Lancashire’s first Fab Lab in early 2016, and plans to lead the facility to become the epicentre for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in the North West.