Trading name MPI Area served Worldwide | Industry Materials Key people Chris McDonald | |
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Number of locations Grangetown, Middlesbrough | ||
The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) is a not-for-profit company, providing industrial research and development services to the materials and processing industries. Based in Teesside the institute started from the original British Iron and Steel Research Association (BISRA) established in 1945.
Contents
Background
Materials Processing Institute was founded as the British Iron and Steel Research Association in 1945, as a central research centre for the iron and steel industry.
Many advanced processes which are now standard across industry were first developed at its laboratories.
Present day
In 2016, MPI launched a commercial steel-making operation from its Normanton Steel plant.
Services
Using its experience with large items of process plant and equipment operating in hot and hostile environments, the Institute provides forensic insight into complex process and plant problems.
Provided in support of both process and product developments across the full Materials and Metals industry supply chain. This includes the provision of a range of relevant pilot and demonstration facilities that enable the Institute's clients to evaluate and demonstrate new process or product developments and to test new materials and equipment.
Fully serviced space is available, both indoors and out for large and complex pilot process equipment that allows the Institute's clients to reduce the risks associated with product and process development away from the risks and pressures of production.
With roots in the Iron and Steel industry, the Institute offers process support and technology development to a number of the world’s steelmakers and equipment suppliers.
In 2016, MPI launched a commercial steel-making operation from its Normanton Steel plant. Supported by a suite of testing and development laboratories, MPI’s experienced production team delivers commercial manufacturing across a range of steel types, to meet customers’ bespoke requirements, which includes smaller orders that cannot be produced economically in larger plants.
Complimenting the services above, the Institute has extensive capabilities in mathematical or physical modelling; thermodynamic modelling; mineral, metallurgical and analytical laboratories, and associated techniques and technologies.
The Institute has created two additional facilities to support growth in the materials sector:
Specialist services
Helps SMEs in the sector to grow by providing a tailored package of support. The support is offered throughout the supply chain, ensuring that suppliers and customers can benefit from access to enhanced capabilities. Assistance includes technical support (e.g. engineering expertise, scale-up, process improvement, technical mentoring), facilities support (e.g. equipment access, piloting, lab space, accommodation) and business support services and signposting (e.g. grants, networks, potential partnerships).
Carries out applicable industrially applicable research with a strong business focus. Concentrating on sustainable processes and industrial systems, the Centre provides technical resources to industry, whilst developing the next generation of engineers and scientists.