Materials Processing Institute
 | |
| MPI | |
| Industry | Materials |
| Headquarters | Teesside, United Kingdom |
Number of locations | Grangetown, Middlesbrough |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Chris McDonald |
| Services | Industrial Research and Development |
Number of employees | 82 |
| Website |
www |
[1] The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) is a not-for-profit company, providing industrial research and development services to the materials and processing industries. Based in Teesside the institute started from the original British Iron and Steel Research Association (BISRA) established in 1945, and for 70 years has provided high quality research with national and international collaborators including leading UK and international universities and research institutes worldwide.
Background
Materials Processing Institute was founded as the British Iron and Steel Research Association in 1945, as a central research centre for the iron and steel industry.
Although there have been several changes in name and ownership structure over its near 70 years of history, the Institute has remained committed to the delivery of world class research into industrial processes and technology and crucially, applying this knowledge successfully in the industrial environment.
Many advanced processes which are now standard across industry were first developed at its laboratories.
Now, the Institute is proud to carry forward this tradition of innovation and development across a growing range of industries, as has always been fundamental to its reputation.
Present day
The organisation offers expertise, physical capabilities and physical assets that enable customers to explore and develop new materials and processes; improve existing products and design improvements in energy efficiency and process reliability, whilst reducing environmental impact.
The Institute is based on a purpose-built laboratory and pilot plant complex, with facilities from fundamental laboratory-scale experiments through to the construction and operation of demonstration-scale pilot plant.
This allows clients the opportunity to work at any stage from the fundamental idea or innovation, through to commercial technology delivery.
These assets are supported by a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, who are industrial problem solvers, with experience across a wide range of industries and industrial processes.
This experienced team of engineers and scientists is supported by strong links with leading universities and technology providers, enabling a first class service.
In 2016, MPI launched a commercial steel-making operation from its Normanton Steel plant.[1][2][3][4][5]
Services
- Provision of Process Support
Using its experience with large items of process plant and equipment operating in hot and hostile environments, the Institute provides forensic insight into complex process and plant problems.
- Materials and Metals Industry Consultancy
Provided in support of both process and product developments across the full Materials and Metals industry supply chain. This includes the provision of a range of relevant pilot and demonstration facilities that enable the Institute's clients to evaluate and demonstrate new process or product developments and to test new materials and equipment.
- General Pilot and Demonstration Facilities
Fully serviced space is available, both indoors and out for large and complex pilot process equipment that allows the Institute's clients to reduce the risks associated with product and process development away from the risks and pressures of production.
- Iron and Steelmaking Process Technology
With roots in the Iron and Steel industry, the Institute offers process support and technology development to a number of the world’s steelmakers and equipment suppliers.
In 2016, MPI launched a commercial steel-making operation from its Normanton Steel plant. Supported by a suite of testing and development laboratories, MPI’s experienced production team delivers commercial manufacturing across a range of steel types, to meet customers’ bespoke requirements, which includes smaller orders that cannot be produced economically in larger plants.
- Supporting Science
Complimenting the services above, the Institute has extensive capabilities in mathematical or physical modelling; thermodynamic modelling; mineral, metallurgical and analytical laboratories, and associated techniques and technologies.
- Building for the Future
The Institute has created two additional facilities to support growth in the materials sector:
Specialist services
- The SME Technology Centre
Helps SMEs in the sector to grow by providing a tailored package of support. The support is offered throughout the supply chain, ensuring that suppliers and customers can benefit from access to enhanced capabilities. Assistance includes technical support (e.g. engineering expertise, scale-up, process improvement, technical mentoring), facilities support (e.g. equipment access, piloting, lab space, accommodation) and business support services and signposting (e.g. grants, networks, potential partnerships).
- The Doctoral Training Centre
Carries out applicable industrially applicable research with a strong business focus. Concentrating on sustainable processes and industrial systems, the Centre provides technical resources to industry, whilst developing the next generation of engineers and scientists.
See also
References
- 1 2 3 Hughes, Mike. "Tees testing facility to start producing and selling own steel". gazettelive. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
- 1 2 RecognitionPR (2016-03-15), BBC Look North - Materials Processing Institute - Steel making returns to Teesside, retrieved 2016-04-08
- 1 2 "Teesside gains new hope with launch of specialised steel plant". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
- 1 2 "Commercial steel-making returns to Teesside - The Manufacturer". The Manufacturer. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
- 1 2 "MPI Normanton works preserving the reputation of Tees steel". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
Two new facilities for South Bank's Materials Processing Institute. (2015, March 9). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/business/business-news/two-new-facilities-south-banks-8779790
Materials Processing Institute chief makes case for Catapult at House of Commons. (2015, March 24). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/business-news/materials-processing-institute-chief-makes-8911073
The Materials Processing Institute returns to independent ownership. (2015, January 7). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.iom3.org/news/2015/jan/07/materials-processing-institute-returns-independent-ownership