KTP programmes bear fruit with innovation prize

A Technology Innovation Centre product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 7, 2007

Award recognises the achievements of three Knowledge Transfer Partnership programmes between Morgan Motor Company and the Birmingham City University TIC.

The successful development of new design, development and manufacturing capabilities has seen the Morgan Motor Company receive the Achievement in Innovation Prize at this year's Lord Stafford Awards.

The award recognises the achievements of three Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programmes between the company and Birmingham City University's Technology Innovation Centre (TIC).

Part-funded by the UK Government, KTPs provide access to graduate expertise coupled with university-based resources.

These enable companies to compete more effectively, by accessing technologies that are more readily available within larger multinational competitors.

Charles Morgan explains: "Every Morgan car is a combination of skilled craftsmanship and technical innovation".

"While we do keep many traditions alive by making cars by hand, we combine that with modern materials and processes to meet modern levels of performance and efficiency".

"The TIC has proved an excellent supporter, collaborator and source of expertise".

"We value their contribution most highly".

Entering into a two-year scheme with the company, TIC graduate Matthew Welch, was the University's first Morgan KTP Associate.

Using the latest computer techniques and an exhaustive programme of physical testing, he contributed to the Morgan Aero 8's exceptional level of occupant safety.

This prepared the model for entry to a highly receptive US market.

Matthew has since been recruited as Morgan's full-time Homologation Engineer - a vital role to ensure that the company's future models conform to international legislation requirements.

The second, manufacturing-focused KTP saw graduate associate Tom Cox recruited to work on all aspects of Morgan's operations management.

Supervised by TIC's Dr Keith McQueen, Cox is supporting the adoption of lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvements, which have already produced savings approaching GBP 0.5 million through a wide spectrum of activities.

These encompassed mapping production processes together with planning plant layout, quality systems, maintenance, health and safety, as well as consideration of environmental issues and staff training.

To increase the rate of vehicle developments and new model introductions, vehicle design graduate, Matthew Humphries became Morgan's third KTP associate.

Assisted by TIC's David Arbuckle, Humphries' design work initially produced revisions to the front-end styling of the Aero 8, as well as the new four-seater Morgan Plus 4.

Subsequently he has been working on the design of the company's hydrogen-cell based Lifecar project and the limited edition Aeromax coupe.

Birmingham City University's Vice Chancellor and TIC Chairman, Professor David Tidmarsh, says of the Achievement in Innovation Award: "Birmingham City University is committed to being an exemplar for working with business".

"This award underlines the effectiveness of our KTP programmes to drive innovation, through collaboration with industry".

TIC's Dr Mike Daniels adds: "The Morgan Motor Company has fully embraced the opportunities offered via the KTP programmes and are truly deserving of the Lord Stafford Prize".

"Supporting the development of exciting products across all the company's activities has been especially rewarding and enjoyable for the KTP associates and their TIC supervisors".