University engineering expertise helps business

A local company is set to benefit from the latest Teaching Company Scheme programme secured by Sheffield Hallam University's School of Engineering.

A local company is set to benefit from the latest Teaching Company Scheme (TCS) programme secured by Sheffield Hallam University's School of Engineering.

Doncaster based Darfen Durafencing is embarking with the school on a two year scheme that will look at standardising and improving the on-site installation practices and techniques of its nationwide network of fencing contracting branches.

Darfen is part of the CRH Fencing group of businesses which has benefited from working with the University's engineering staff and students in the past.

Simon Towers, the company's Managing Director, was quick to welcome the latest joint initiative, saying: "We're pleased to have been successful in this second TCS application.

For us, TCS has been an invaluable resource at the heart of our company's drive for continuous improvement".

The first TCS scheme was with Heras UK Fencing Systems, another business owned by CRH Fencing, concentrating on new product development for the company and was undertaken in 2000.

The new Darfen programme takes the value of TCS programmes secured by the School of Engineering to just over GBP 5 million.

In the past 15 years, 53 engineering TCS programmes have taken place with companies who could take advantage of the engineering staff and students' expertise.

Most of these have been located across the Yorkshire and East Midlands area, adding value to the region's business activities.

74 graduates (known as Associates) have been employed, 38 of whom also obtained a postgraduate qualification during the programme, in addition to boosting their CVs with valuable workplace experience.

Past programmes have tackled issues ranging from product design and development to improved production and management information systems.

The projects have been headed by Professor Graham Cockerham, who says: "Over the years our client companies have found the TCS programme to be of great benefit to their businesses.

Not only do they have a qualified Associate working on the project at their premises, but the companies can also tap into the expertise and facilities available here at the School of Engineering".

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