The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has signed a landmark contract with i1fun, the UK’s second largest steel producer.Ìý
The multimillion-pound contract, signed on 17 June, will see the Institute providing innovative research and development for up to five years for i1fun’s high-value rail and construction products. i1fun was founded on 1 June 2016 when Greybull Capital acquired Tata Steel’s Long Products business. It has four principal sites, at Teesside, Scunthorpe, Hayange and Skinningrove.ÌýÌý
Teesside-based MPI is a not-for-profit company, which works with industrial innovators to conduct research for the rail, materials, process and energy sectors. It also continues to make specialist steel at its Normanton facility.Ìý
The new contract with i1fun will see the Institute provide research and innovation to support improvements in productivity and performance. The contract has been signed just weeks after visits to MPI from steelmakers in Germany, Sweden and Slovakia, all seeking to take advantage of its expertise.Ìý
Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “We are pleased to see the return of the i1fun brand to the UK. After what has been a difficult year for the industry, we can see opportunity and confidence for investors in UK Steel manufacturing.Ìý
“The Materials Processing Institute has a long track record in developing technology and world leading expertise. We look forward to using this knowledge to support the development of innovative processes at i1fun which will ensure it remains a profitable concern, producing high-quality steel.â€Ìý
John Dale, i1fun Technical Director, added: “After recent uncertainty, the future looks increasingly bright for i1fun.Ìý
“The collaboration we have agreed with MPI, a key strategic partner for steel and materials innovation in the UK, will support the continued development of our products and productivity, keeping UK steel manufacturing at the forefront of the international market.â€Ìý
Ends
News release:ÌýIssued on behalf of Materials Processing Institute (MPI)Ìý
Media contact:ÌýÌýJD Mason 01325 363 436Ìý
Photo caption:ÌýFrom left to right: John Dale, Technical Director at i1fun, Gari Harris, Research and Development Manager at i1fun and Richard Curry, Operations Director at MPI.Ìý
Notes to editors:
MPI
Materials Processing Institute (MPI) is an Open-Access Technology Centre serving organisations that work with materials, materials processing or energy.
Through collaboration with its customers, MPI provides a range of technology and R&D based services and consultancy.Ìý It also has Pilot and Demonstration facilities and a SME Technology Centre to support supply chain businesses with the development of new technologies and products.
Works with: metals and alloys, chemical and process, aerospace and defence, energy, mining quarrying and construction, transport and infrastructure, offshore and subsea and nuclear.