FEATURE
PRECISION
ersen UK Teesside is now offering a 24-hour turnaround time for low-volume , highprecision engineering products after the introduction of a digitised manufacturing process developed in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership ( KTP ) with Teesside University .
Mersen , a world-leading manufacturing facility specialising in machined graphite products , anti-corrosion and hot glass handling equipment ( CERBERITE ), is a global expert in electrical specialities and advanced materials for high-tech industries .
With more than 50 industrial sites and 16 R & D centres in 35 countries , the company develops customised solutions and delivers key products to its clients to meet the new technological challenges shaping tomorrow ’ s world .
For Mersen UK Teesside , the KTP fed directly into the company ’ s overall aim to increase revenue from low-volume , high-value sales , maximising manufacturing operations profitability and a growing market for highly variable precision graphite parts in short lead times .
A KTP is an Innovate UK-funded programme that helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge , technology and skills that reside within universities .
Mersen UK Teesside sought the university ’ s expertise through a two-year project , overseen by Dr David Hughes , a senior lecturer
University support helps Teesside manufacturer achieve 24-hour turnaround
PARTNERS
Advanced – Mersen UK Teesside ’ s HQ .
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Competitive – Mersen UK Teesside managing director Andrew Freer is delighted with the edge the partnership has given his firm . and enterprise fellow ( Materials Engineering ) in the institution ’ s School of Computing , Engineering & Digital Technologies .
“ Due to the nature of products that Mersen manufacture , the part volume is generally low but high value , with small-batch ( less than 10 ) and one-off production of specialist parts ( known as ‘ Strangers ’) generating a majority of their current sales revenue ,” Dr Hughes said .
“ Mersen ’ s objective is to expand its high precision engineering capabilities to meet growing demands from specialist customers it cannot currently serve . Such
104 | Tees Business