A partnership to transfer cutting edge manufacturing and design knowledge and expertise is set to boost North Wales businesses.
Linc Menai, based at Coleg Menai in Llangefni, have launched an initiative called Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) that will draw on its expertise to help North Wales companies increase their competitiveness, productivity and profits.
KTP is a three-way partnership between the college, a company and a talented graduate. The latest North Wales business to benefit is Denbighshire’s Fifth Wheel Company who have teamed up with the college’s Canolfan Arloesi Menai (Menai Innovation Centre) to tap into expert knowledge and support.
The Rhuallt based caravan manufacturer has welcomed graduate David Robinson to the company for a two year placement where he will join the design team.
Robinson, 26, from St Asaph, who has a First Class Honours Degree in Product Design, said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to work with Fifth Wheel because I share their product design values,” says Robinson.
“They design and manufacture award winning products and use as much locally sourced materials as possible. They are innovative and are constantly looking at improving and developing their designs to improve efficiency.”
Fifth Wheel is best known for its innovative and luxurious fifth wheel tourers, which hook up directly onto the bed of a specially-converted 4×4 pick up-style vehicle. Adrian Parry-Jones, Fifth Wheel’s Sales Director said: “This project and the support from Linc Menai is excellent in assisting us in our commitment to expand our business.
“We have recently invested in an expansion of a new 10,800 sq ft office, showroom and service facility which will enable us to streamline our operations and service provision. The college’s expertise and knowledge will help us to facilitate the changes required to improve our Design to Manufacturing process.
“We are looking forward to working with David and the college in what will be a valuable project for us and the graduate, we’re all sharing our knowledge with each other,” added Adrian.
Located in Llangefni, Canolfan Arloesi Menai (CAM) is part of Linc Menai, the employer engagement arm of the college, and provides cutting edge manufacturing and design consultancy, to help develop ideas and expertise into real marketable products. The centre aims to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, offering a range of services and financial support. These include product design, 3D scanning, manufacturing consultancy, rapid prototyping and training, all using the very latest technology and software.
Lesley Thomas, Linc Menai’s Managing Director said: “Our aim is to provide North Wales businesses, such as Fifth Wheel, with the means to mutually benefit from the transfer of knowledge and expertise through partnerships and training.
“In David’s case he will receive on-going guidance from the college which he can use to drive the host company forward, over a period of up to two years.
“The graduates are supported by a team of experts – senior lecturers and industrial research developers, who bring technical expertise, research and innovation to the company.”
The college is currently seeking two new graduates, who will by employed by Linc Menai as part of its innovation team. The college has one internal placement and a placement with Penygroes based engineering company Axis Precision. Over the next 18 months the project with Axis will support the company to develop its design methodology. It will also introduce new manufacturing and management process aimed at a complete upgrade of its design and manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and product support service for advanced materials.
For further information please visit: www.menai.ac.uk/jobvacancies.aspx
