Global success for the Materials Processing Institute as it delivers strong export growth
PRESS RELEASE: ISSUED 3 March 2018
The UK's leading centre for steel research, the Materials Processing Institute, is targeting further export growth after seeing turnover rise by 10%, following a series of global contract wins.
The deals have contributed to the Institute's growth, including a multi-million-pound research partnership with steel giant, Liberty House Group, to develop advanced manufacturing processes and a new generation of products across its plants in the UK and Australia.
Partnerships have also been secured in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America in the energy, mining and minerals, petrochemical, chemical and automotive sectors, due to the Institute's expertise in advanced materials and processes.
In addition, the Institute is currently working with British Steel, which has sites across Europe, to develop its high-value rail and construction projects, as part of another landmark contract agreed in 2016.
The Materials Processing Institute is a research and innovation centre serving organisations that work in advanced materials, low carbon energy and the circular economy. It is recognised as a leading centre for the global steel industry, delivering research and innovation projects, consultancy and training.
Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, said: "Over the last 12 months our exporting activity has grown considerably. We have continued to build on strong relationships with industry leaders operating in the steel sector, which will be essential as we gear up for Brexit.
"A lot of our growth can be attributed to contracts secured outside of the EU, as we are committed to internationalising and expanding the services at the Institute. We are well placed for further expansion as we deliver for multinational steel companies, while securing further contracts in multiple industries and sectors.
"This positivity and export success has continued to strengthen the Institute's position as an internationally-recognised research and innovation centre, and, crucially, as a global leader in our industry, for a post-Brexit world."
The Institute is also a member of industry body, the World Steel Association (worldsteel), having been ratified as a member in autumn 2017, which will continue to broaden its exporting opportunities.
Chris added: "Membership of worldsteel has further strengthened our status as a world-renowned research and innovation centre, as we continue to develop opportunities in multiple sectors, expand our portfolio of international clients and increase our export activities in the future."
3 March 2018
