Wakefield based PolyGlobal (www.polyglobal.co.uk), a manufacturer of engineered plastic parts, has been awarded £10,000 of match-funding from Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for a partnership with Bradford University’s Polymer Research Centre.

The university is testing the company’s core range of materials, including its new Hyperpol family of polyurethane elastomers, designed to improved performance in adverse environments, including extremes of heat, humidity and chemical exposure.

Christina Tuinea-Bobe at the University of Bradford said that laboratory testing gives clients the technical data they need.

“Our world-leading facilities — coupled with our experience and expertise — will enable us to help PolyGlobal to implement new technologies that will ultimately be transformative for the company, both technically and commercially.”

The Polymer Research Centre’s facilities include 40 advanced manufacturing lines for melt-phase, solid-phase and reactive processing, plus extensive physical and chemical characterisation, as well as computer modelling.

PolyGlobal sales and marketing manager Andy Young said: “This is the first time we have invested in academic research.

If successful, it could lead to further collaboration with Bradford University’s Polymer Research Centre and future internal technological investment.

"Our customers know they can depend on us to provide reliable and effective parts, but we are constantly striving to improve our knowledge and capabilities.

"Being able to support our offerings with independent university research separates us from our competitors.”