The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) in Middlesbrough is looking to support organisations facing the challenges brought about by the digital revolution.

Its newly launched Digital Technologies Group is made up of experts in measurement, monitoring, systems, data and control; they will bring together the application of data and the latest technologies from a variety of sources to support the enhancement of clients’ products, services and processes and help companies to adopt Industry 4.0 practices — namely automation and data exchange.

MPI operations director Gerard Stephens said: “Digital technologies are an area of expertise for the Institute, and there has recently been an increased level of requests for support from clients and industry.

"That has resulted in bringing this area of focus together into a single group to support clients and be better positioned to respond to the national and international challenges of digitalisation.

"Through in-house experience, collaborations and partnerships, we will bring together high-level expertise to achieve optimum outcomes.”

The MPI (www.mpiuk.com) is a research and innovationcentre supporting organisations that work in advanced materials, low-carbon energy and the circular economy.

It is recognised as a leading research centre for the global steel industry, with expertise in the development and upscaling of materials and industrial processes.