BCW Treatments and The University of Leeds Pioneers Ground-breaking Project Backed by Innovate UK

BCW Treatments, a trailblazer in UK manufacturing and surface treatments, has secured a groundbreaking project supported by Innovate UK.

Innovate UK, the United Kingdom's innovation agency, provides financial support to organisations to leverage leading academic expertise from knowledge bases to solve strategic, game changing challenges and create new products and services. This project marks a significant step forward in revolutionising adhesive bonding for aluminium panels, thanks to a collaborative effort between BCW Treatments and The University of Leeds.

The project, an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), aims to foster long-term and mutually beneficial collaborations between academia and industry. Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) bring together forward-thinking businesses and organisations, academics, and graduates to solve complex innovation challenges which help our economy, society and environment. Leveraging the expertise and resources of The University of Leeds, BCW Treatments is poised to pioneer advancements in adhesive bonding technology. This partnership not only provides BCW Treatments with access to cutting-edge research but also allows for the integration of graduate talent via the recruitment of a KTP Associate, ensuring sustained innovation and knowledge transfer.

BCW Treatments’ commitment to innovation is evident in its state-of-the-art facility established in 2015. Catering to esteemed clients such as Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Lotus Cars, BCW Treatments has been instrumental in advancing lightweighting initiatives, particularly in the production of electric vehicles. By replacing traditional welding with aluminium component bonding, BCW Treatments has supported environmental sustainability efforts while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving automotive industry.

The project, underscores BCW Treatments’ dedication to continuous improvement and environmental improvements. With services ranging from Anodising and Conversion Coating to Paint Application and Powder Coating. BCW Treatments remains at the forefront of surface treatment solutions. The implementation of this groundbreaking adhesive bonding process promises not only to enhance product quality and efficiency but also to yield significant environmental benefits.

Sheng Dai, Professor in Chemical Engineering and Head of the School of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Leeds, has been appointed as the Academic Lead for this KTP. With over 28 years of expertise in the realm of interfacial engineering, corrosion engineering (including anodising), membrane technology, wastewater treatment, clean energy, and catalysts, Sheng Dai brings a wealth of experience to this role. Joining Sheng Dai in guiding this collaboration is Dr. Antonia Borissova, who will be the Academic Supervisor for the KTP.  Dr. Borissova is a chemical engineer and teaches modules in Chemical and Process Engineering and is a module leader. She also provides supervision and consultation for design projects undertaken by second and third-year students, and oversees the academic progress of MEng, MSc, and PhD candidates. Dr. Junia Cristina Avelar-Batista-Wilson, Technical & Quality Systems Manager at BCW Treatments, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the rigorous bid process and the company's unwavering commitment to innovation. "We are thrilled to be working on such a novel process—it's a very exciting time," remarked Dr. Avelar-Batista-Wilson.

Jonathan Abra, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Adviser for Lancashire and Cumbria, worked with BCW Treatments and The University of Leeds to scope the project and develop the funding application. “The application was rated very highly by the competition assessors”, said Mr Abra. “the Partners were able to demonstrate a clear market demand and significant potential impacts resulting from successful delivery of the project objectives; not only economic but also in terms of sustainability of the vehicle manufacturing process.  The prospects for this KTP are very exciting and I look forward to working with the Partnership to manage its delivery.”

BCW Treatments' collaboration with The University of Leeds exemplifies its dedication to driving innovation and sustainability within the manufacturing and surface treatment sectors. As the company continues to push the boundaries of technology and environmental responsibility, it remains poised to shape the future of adhesive bonding and surface treatments on a global scale.

For inquiries regarding BCW Treatments' comprehensive service offerings and capabilities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Andy Wilson, Managing Director, on 07415 154 164 or info@bcwgroup.co.uk.