The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) is hosting a visit from German industrial leaders to benefit from its expertise and innovative approach to the steel and energy industries.
A delegation from the German Steel Institute VDEh and representatives of German steel research, are to visit the Middlesbrough-based site. The German steel industry is keen to explore how MPI can help it to maximise productivity and improve the quality of its product.
This follows a contingent of Swedish industrialists who recently visited to utilise the institute’s expertise. The Swedish industry has identified opportunities to move towards a hydrogen and renewables based manufacturing infrastructure and is interested in engaging with MPI on gasification and energy.
MPI’s position as a world-leader of innovative research and development in steel making solutions is bringing it to the attention of an international market, keen to futureproof its steel industries in an increasingly uncertain economy for the commodity.
Steel makers across Europe are searching for new, more efficient methods of steel manufacture, to reduce energy consumption, improve green credentials and to compete more effectively with imported material. They’re increasingly looking to MPI to provide the knowledge and expertise they need to make these changes.
Chris McDonald, CEO of MPI, said: “The innovative approach we take to research and development in steel at MPI is attracting considerable interest from Europe and further afield. It is testament to the world-renowned expertise of the UK steel industry specialists we have at MPI and our capability and passion for the sector.
“European interest in our operation highlights our growing prominence in the international steel industry, which could also directly benefit UK industry.
“We have already introduced an Electric Steelmaking Research Centre and now we believe the government should adopt our Materials Catapult proposal, to futureproof UK industry against shocks and strengthen its global standing, utilising the resources and expertise they have to hand on Teesside at MPI.”