Tees Valley receives £500k boost with new research facility

Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded £500k to help TWI expand its research and testing operations in the area.

The Middlesbrough-based centre is one of the world’s most recognised independent research and technology organisations, with expertise in materials-joining and engineering processes.

The funding will help the business alter its existing engineering facility at Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TeesAmp), expand its existing operations and develop a Non Destructive Testing (NDT) research centre, where materials can be tested for safety.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen said: “TWI is a world-class research centre and it’s fantastic that they’re expanding their activities in the Tees Valley.

“The region’s engineering reputation is second to none, and this development will provide an opportunity to enhance economic growth and drive forward skilled employment opportunities in the area.

“TeesAMP will deliver long-lasting benefits in terms of jobs, skills, prosperity and further investment. TWI’s proposals form a key part of the overall project.”

A new research activity will focus on future NDT technologies and act as a growth hub for the research group outside of their Cambridge base. The centre will be established using a number of collaborative projects, ensuring it can staff up rapidly and work from the outset with companies from across the world.

New technology will be spun out of the new centre, either into new startups or into existing local companies.

The centre could bring collaborative projects worth more than £3m to the Tees Valley.

Chris Beck, TWI’s strategic funding manager, added: “This funding represents a vital step forward in TWI’s expansion plans and helps us reaffirm our commitment to the region and TeesAmp.

“We have our eyes on significant growth in the coming years but, in the short term, adapting our current facility will allow us to take on further staff and contribute even more to the Tees Valley economy.”

Middlesbrough Mayor, Dave Budd concluded: “This is another good-news development for TeesAmp, hugely benefitting Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley and sowing the seeds of future success.”