Materials Processing Institute's CEO to chair prestigious UK Steel event

Press Release: Issued 25 September 2018

The CEO of one of the world’s leading research and innovation centres, which is based in the North East, is to chair a prestigious event that will explore the sustainability of the UK’s steel industry.

Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, will chair the UK Steel Innovation Day 2018 at London’s Science Museum on 27th September.

The event will showcase innovation and key people who are driving the steel sector forward, with contributions from leading innovators within industry outlining how R&D can unlock the potential for a sustainable steel industry.

Richard Harrington MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), will discuss the Government’s position on the country’s steel industry, while key technical directors from the main steel producers in the UK, Cambridge University and Siemens complete the line-up of speakers at the event.

UK Steel is the trade association for the country’s steel industry, which represents the sector’s interests to government and the public. Its membership comprises of leading companies and organisations involved within the industry.

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.

The Institute works with several of the UK’s leading steel producers and supply chain companies.

Chris McDonald is Policy Chair for Innovation & Enterprise at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Steel Advisory Board Member at UK Steel and Innovation Lead at the UK Metals Council, among other key industry positions.

Mr McDonald said: “Continued and effective investment into R&D and innovative processes within the UK’s steel industry is crucial to its long-term future and success.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to chair such a high-profile event, which I’m sure will bring about plenty of debate and positive discussions on our industry. The collaborative efforts from key people across industry, steel producers and supply chain companies will support its long-term prosperity.”