Region set to become world-class centre after merger
TEESSIDE cemented its ambition to become a world-class centre for innovation in the processing sector with the merger of two leading organisations today.
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Wilton and Newcastle’s Centre of Excellence for Nano, Micro and Photonic Systems (Cenamps) have joined forces to drive industry-led development in the sector.
Nigel Perry, chief executive, said the new organisation, which will take the name of the CPI, would have its headquarters at Wilton.
It hopes to pull in £10m-£15m of investment annually and increase its team of staff from a combined total of 70 to 100.
Together, the centres will champion four key technology areas - advanced processes, low carbon energy, functional materials and printable electronics.
Mr Perry said: “Processing is moving forward at a great pace and only those organisations which continually innovate and evolve will keep up with the marketplace.
“This takes our work to the next level and gives us critical mass to accelerate the pace of our work.”
As well as the Wilton HQ, CPI will have bases at Sedgefield’s NetPark, Gateshead and Newcastle University.
Mr Perry said: “Since being established by One NorthEast four years ago, both CPI and Cenamps have worked to connect academia and industry and encourage market-led innovation, for the benefit of the region and its businesses.
“In this time, the established process industry on Teesside and across the North-east has been revitalised,”
