Material Processing Institute

“I firmly believe we have the talent and means to provide solutions to many of these contemporary challenges. This funding will help us to further that cause.”

Chris McDonald, Chief Executive, Materials Processing Institute 

Materials Processing Institute, a not-for-profit research and innovation centre based in Middlesbrough, secured a £750,000 investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Founded as the British Iron & Steel Research Association in 1944, the Materials Processing Institute is a globally recognised centre for the innovation, development and commercialisation of technology. FW Capital’s funding allowed the Institute to invest into its asset base and technologies, improving research capabilities and its ability to rapidly accelerate industrial innovations, with a greater focus on decarbonisation and the production of new digital tools.

Moreover, this investment would enable the Materials Processing Institute to expand the support services offered by its SME Technology Centre, with key activities of the Institute working closely with the steel industry internationally, and the materials industry domestically. Additionally, it would help support small and medium sized enterprises in the Tees Valley and beyond with the development and commercialisation of innovations and technology.

The first NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.