WMG was honoured to host a visit from Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, former Malaysian Prime Minister, accompanied by Mr Aslam Farikullah, COO Lotus Group and Mr Tajul Zahari Abu Bakar, Director Vehicle Development & Engineering, Proton Holdings Berhad.

Meeting with Professor Lord Bhattacharyya they were interested to understand how WMG develops partnerships with industry and the significant economic benefits of such partnerships. They were also interested to understand the breadth of research undertaken by WMG including developing strengths in composites and nanocomposites.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya said:

It is always encouraging when another country views WMG as best practice when it comes to collaborative research with industry. We have developed a world-wide reputation of working collaboratively with global companies to help them create innovative products and processes. We are an advocate of working with industry to promote innovation and develop the skills of their workforce.”

The visitors had the opportunity to take a tour of WMG facilities, led by Professor Richard Dashwood, including the International Manufacturing Centre, the International Automotive Research Centre and the International Institute for Product and Service Innovation. Professor Paul Jennings detailed research in energy storage, particularly the new Energy Innovation Centre. Professor Robert Harrison demonstrated his automation systems, along with Professor Dashwood highlighting composite and lightweighting research. Dr Greg Gibbons discussed innovations in additive layer manufacturing. Finally, Professor Tony McNally introduced the new International Institute for Nanocomposite Manufacturing, which is due to open in the Spring, which will focus on the effective manufacture of nanocomposites by adopting a holistic approach.