The Materials Processing Institute has unveiled a series of specially-commissioned stained-glass windows to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Cleveland Institution of Engineers (CIE).
The Materials Processing Institute commissioned local artist Chloe Buck, to design and install the stained-glass artworks, which were officially unveiled at an event attended by local dignitaries, including Redcar and Cleveland Council Leader, Cllr Sue Jeffrey, CIE President, Mark Lewis and Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute.
Founded in the 1860s, the Cleveland Institution of Engineers was instrumental in academic and industrial growth in the region, helping to establish Constantine Technical College, the forerunner of Teesside University. The Materials Processing Institute, itself more than 70 years old, has recognised the contribution of the CIE to industrial progress in the North East by commissioning a series of stained-glass windows in its council chamber.
The Materials Processing Institute is a not for profit company, which provides a range of research and development, and consultancy services for industrial innovators. It also continues to make specialist steel at the Normanton Plant at its facility on Teesside.
Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute said: “The evening was a celebration of the 150 years of innovation in metals and materials in Teesside and evidence of the world-leading expertise and vibrant, forward looking, technical community that is the key to the success of the future growth and prosperity of Tees Valley.
“We were pleased to welcome Councillor Sue Jeffrey to the reception, alongside local artist Chloe Buck and representatives from the region’s industry.”
Councillor Sue Jeffrey, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Chair of the Shadow South Tees Development Corporation, said: “The event at the Materials Processing Institute was another reminder of the extraordinary expertise in steelmaking and innovation we have built up in this area over the past century and a half, and of its continuing progress through organisations such as the CIE and the Materials Processing Institute.
“Now is not the time to give up our heritage and knowledge, but to redouble our efforts to build on them for the future, using our skills, assets and engineering proficiency to keep Tees Valley on the global stage as a world-leader in industrial innovation.”
Mark Lewis, President of the CIE, said: “The remarkable artistry and craft of Chloe Buck marks the inventive history of the Tees Valley and serves to remind us of what can be achieved with vison and purpose. The Materials Processing Institute has a vital role to play in a new industrial future for the area and it is fitting that the work is housed there.”