The GTMA has announced the appointment of Alan Arthur as its chief technical officer.

He is a highly qualified and experienced engineering manager, with over 35 years’ experience in supply chain management and project planning; his “commercial and international experience embraces a large range of technical disciplines and best practice in manufacturing and engineering”.

Julia Moore, GTMA chief executive (www.gtma.co.uk), said: “Innovation is a key focus for the association, and our strategy for 2020 is to address the development of micro manufacturing, coatings and surface technologies, the production of structural composite parts, additive manufacturing and advanced automation.

“Alan completed his post-graduate degree in the study of additive manufacturing — an area of particular interest to the GTMA.

“His previous experience has also covered eight years in trade association work at a senior level, which included representation at government level and technical member engagement.

“Alan will be a considerable asset to the association, as the GTMA continues to provide technical strength to support the engineering sector.

“His appointment highlights the importance the association places on technical development to meet the challenges that engineering and manufacturing will face in the coming decade.”