A centre for industrial materials research is positioning itself as a UK hub.
The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) in South Bank was first founded almost 70 years ago. It became the research and development (R&D) arm of British Steel and more recently Tata Steel, before returning to its independent status in November.
The Institute has opened its doors to companies outside the steel sector to make use of its top class R&D facilities, in its bid to become the go-to ‘Catapult’ centre in the UK for industrial materials R&D.
The MPI won the backing of an MP and a prospective parliamentary candidate during a recent visit.
Iain Wright, the MP for Hartlepool and Shadow Minister for Industry and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Anna Turley – whose Redcar constituency would cover the Institute’s South Bank headquarters – met with MPI Managing Director and CEO Chris McDonald.
Mr McDonald spoke in depth about plans to have the Institute developed as a Catapult Centre for UK industry.
Catapults, under Innovate UK - formerly the Government’s Technology Strategy Board - are technology and innovation centres where UK businesses, scientists and engineers can work side by side on research and development.
He said: “It was a very productive meeting. With the General Election looming I’m fully aware that they cannot make promises, but they both did repeatedly say throughout our meeting that the Institute is recognised locally, nationally and internationally.
“They see us as a big player, and Iain said we could prove to be very important in helping to shape Government policy on industrial supply chains.”
It specialises in challenging processes, particularly those involving high temperatures, hostile environments and high specification materials.
The centre’s work in providing innovation support to the UK’s foundation industries and materials producers was important, he added.
“The success of this sector is vital to generating growth in high value manufacturing and the Institute helps these industries to be globally competitive.”
Mr Wright said: “We need to step up and think about our economic future because other nations are snapping at our heels, and how we can use materials in a smarter way.
“I want the MPI to thrive, because locally, nationally and internationally it is vital.”
Anna Turley added: “It is always fantastic to come to the Institute and see the brilliant work that is being done here.
“I totally support the future of the processing industry in this area. It is the beating heart of the UK economy and I will do all I can to support it. There is so much potential in this field across the area, and the MPI is a key part of it.”
While the organisation still undertakes a substantial amount of project work for Tata Steel, it believes becoming an independent not-for-profit entity once again will not only benefit its customers, but UK trade in general.
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