Member Article

Teesside-based MPI supports SMEs with new showcasing facility

Teesside’s Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has launched a new facility to allow SME to showcase new technologies to potential customers.

Completing its Demonstrator Space development, the provider of industrial R & D services to industry hopes to help businesses develop, commercialise and improve technology through the use of the facility.

Support includes an on-site pilot plant, scale-up and demonstrator facilities; enabling businesses to test, develop and demonstrate new technologies without the risks associated with full scale production.

This Demonstrator Space has been created partly with a cash injection of Government Funding from the Local Growth Fund, through Local Enterprise Partnership Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU).

This is part of a wider project at the Institute to create a Technology Centre to support small and medium enterprises in the region with technical, business and financial advice and assistance.

Gerard Stephens, Director of the SME Technology Centre at the Materials Processing Institute, said: “We are delighted that the Demonstrator Space development is now complete.

“It creates easy to access space for clients to set up any technologies or processes they are developing in a safe, secure and controlled environment.

“We look forward to working alongside SMEs and, with our teams of specialists on site, we are more than confident we can help them.

“We have experienced scientists, engineers and technicians who are available to work with clients to provide analysis, advice and support as products and processes progress from initial concepts to full scale commercialisation.”