The Expanded Metal Co, a Hartlepool-based metal-mesh specialist, recently worked with Teesside University on a research project that investigated the properties and potential applications of the firm’s foil product, generating technical data that is being used by the company to drive further product development.

The research was undertaken by mechanical engineering graduate Ryan Kennedy over three months during his final year at Teesside University, and it was supervised by David Hughes, senior lecturer in materials engineering. The
two organisations are now planning to work on several new projects during 2019.

Mr Hughes said: “We’re very proud of our links to industry, and Ryan’s work with the Expanded Metal Co demonstrates our ability to engage effectively with the engineering and manufacturing sectors. It’s exciting to have the chance to work with the company on further projects and cement our links with one of Teesside’s industrial pioneers.”

Philip Astley, managing director of the Expanded Metal Co (www.expandedmetalcompany.co.uk), said: “We’re delighted that we were able to give Ryan the opportunity to enhance his material-testing knowledge and to work with our product development team.

"It’s crucial that manufacturing businesses such as ours engage closely with higher-education institutions and support the development of engineering talent in the North East, and we’re looking forward to working with Teesside University on similar projects in the future.”