Middlesbrough industrial research firm expands creating new North East jobs

The Materials Processing Institute is set for further expansion and job creation at its Tees Valley-based campus.

The Institute is set to create various apprenticeships and research and consultancy positions across the duration of 2018, meeting increased demand for its services, buoyed by partnerships secured with steel companies from around the world.

The positions at the research and innovation centre are said to further strengthen its research and business support capabilities. The recruitment drive marks the first time since 1998 that the Institute is to welcome a cohort of apprentices.

Chris McDonald, CEO of Materials Processing Institute, said: “We have enjoyed a successful period of sustained growth and further developed partnerships with a host of leading companies within the steel, metals and materials industries, which has supported the expansion of the Institute.

“It also marks the first time in 20 years that we have actively recruited apprentices, in addition to creating graduate positions, as we look to offer opportunities to young people to progress their careers.”

In December 2017, the Institute secured a multi-million pound partnership with Liberty House Group to support its global operations, having already welcomed delegations from the likes of British Steel earlier that year.

The Institute is expecting to extend its current services to SMEs and startups through its SME Technology Centre with a continued programme of business growth and startup support services, seminars and workshops over the course of 2018.

McDonald added: “It is an exciting period for everyone associated with the Institute and we are now looking to capitalise on this strong growth and create further job opportunities that will strengthen our workforce.

“This recruitment will also help us to continue to provide business growth support for businesses located in the region and beyond.”