Materials Processing Institute ‘will lead sustainable charge’ after £4.2 million support

A research and innovation base has reaffirmed its commitment to “leading the charge in sustainable development” after securing £4.2 million backing, its new boss has said.

The Materials Processing Institute has received support through the UK Research and Innovation-funded EconoMISER programme to push forward fresh decarbonisation moves.

And chief executive Terry Walsh says the hub, based on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, will use the boost to create a Cement and Concrete Research Centre and invest in predictive artificial intelligence to support alloy development.

He said: “This will fund investment in equipment and facilities enhancing research capabilities in areas which include alloy development, hot metal processing, furnace modelling techniques,  concrete and cement decarbonisation, and the testing of energy sources for refractories.

“It is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation, and positions the institute at the forefront of scaling-up technologies that will accelerate industrial decarbonisation.”

The backing coincides with Terry’s arrival, having taken over from interim chief executive Jonathon Stormon, who replaced former boss Chris McDonald when he left to run as Labour’s Stockton North general election candidate.

Terry, pictured above, added: “I’m thrilled to join the Materials Processing Institute at such a pivotal moment.

“Under my leadership, the institute remains committed to leading the charge in sustainable development and to forging partnerships that will bring about real and lasting change.”

Having spent more than three decades in the chemical and manufacturing sectors, Terry was most recently managing director at German chemical maker Ferro Duo.

He also previously held prominent roles at Venator Materials, INEOS and ICI.