Engineers from the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) (www.warwick.ac.uk) at the University of Warwick are providing advanced-technology support for Stratford-Upon-Avon’s Pashley Cycles, which is England’s longest-established bicycle manufacturer (www.pashley.co.uk).

As a result, the firm recently won a contract (from Serco Group plc) to supply the next generation of bicycles for the Transport for London (TfL) Cycle Hire Scheme. Delivery of the bikes began at the end of October and will continue over the next few years.

Pashley Cycles used WMG’s technical support and advice to create bicycles that are 10% lighter than the current model and are designed to give a more manoeuvrable and comfortable riding experience.

The WMG SME Group provided “additive layer manufacturing” and 3-D printing assistance, which played a significant part in creating the prototype, which in turn helped to secure the TfL contract.

Scott Crowther, WMG innovation manager, said: “The focus was on supporting Pashley’s capabilities in the areas of design for manufacture, product innovation, skills development and business leadership.

The aim was to ensure that the company is positioned to exploit current and future opportunities, and to grow its business.

"We will continue to support the development of the next generation of Pashley bicycles, using the knowledge of WMG’s academic staff and the world-leading resources in its Lightweight Technologies Centre of Excellence and Energy Innovation Centre.”

The WMG SME Group has a long-standing partnership with Pashley, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year.

Previous collaborative projects have involved support in the form of rapid prototyping, customer insight investigations, sales and marketing strategy, and social media to help widen the company’s audience base.