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Politicians backs MPI's call for Materials Catapult amidst EU debate

A delegation of senior politicians visited Teesside within the past week to learn of the UK steel industry’s role in the European economy.

In an event hosted by The Materials Processing Institute (MPI), a hub of research and development in steel making solutions, delegates were also privvy to insights on innovations in the industry.

Middlesbrough-based MPI has a proactive relationship with European Union members, having recently hosted delegations from the German and Swedish steel industries. Such delegations have been keen to use North East expertise to futureproof their steel production in increasingly difficult economic conditions for manufacturers.

A delegation from Labour In For Britain, led by former Trade and Industry Secretary, Alan Johnson MP, with Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough, Andy McDonald MP, and Councillor Sue Jeffrey, Chair of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, made up the visiting delegation.

The Institute is calling on the UK government to establish a new ‘Materials Catapult’ along with its partners, TWI and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

The Materials Catapult would enable UK universities, researchers and large and small businesses to upscale and commercialise new innovations, raising their standing in the EU and strengthening the UK economy, according to the Institute.

Chris McDonald, CEO of MPI, said: “The Materials Processing Institute supports Britain’s continued membership of the EU in order to safeguard access to UK industry’s biggest markets, and the clear benefits of collaborative research and funding for the North East.

“European interest in our operations continues to grow, as a consequence of the world-renowned expertise and industry specialists we have at the Institute.

“A Materials Catapult would enable us to support innovative industrialists from across the UK, allowing us to remain at the forefront of European industrial technology.”

Alan Johnson MP, added: “The establishment of the Material Catapult presents a huge opportunity, which has been recognised by steel industries across Europe and elsewhere.

“It would be perverse if we didn’t take this opportunity, given the capacity of MPI to innovate, develop and take a lead.

“The case for MPI to become a catapult is overwhelming. Redcar steel hasn’t had the best hand dealt to it, the Material Catapult is an opportunity to give something back.”

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