CPI’s Important Role Highlighted in Tees Valley Mayor Visit

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen learned about CPI’s importance to UK next generation manufacturing in a tour of the organisation’s office and laboratory space at the Wilton Centre, Redcar.

Hearing about CPI’s successful track record in the bioprocessing, biologics, formulation and printed electronics sectors, Mr Houchen found out about its work with California-based operator Calysta.

CPI is running Calysta’s pilot plant at Wilton to produce FeedKind, a new fish feed protein made directly from methane gas that aims to reduce the salmon farming industry’s dependence on fishmeal.

Mr Houchen also heard how a recently-announced £107m Government funding package will allow CPI to continue helping SMEs, academic partners and large corporate organisations get products and processes to market faster and at lower cost.

Part of a wider £1bn Downing Street commitment to UK innovation, the £107m commitment will strengthen CPI’s important position in the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Northern Powerhouse by extending its work across markets such as healthcare, electronics, energy, aerospace, chemical processing, food and agriculture, transport, and construction.

It will also create jobs at CPI, boosting local growth and strengthening the economy.

Nigel Perry MBE FREng, CPI Chief Executive, said: ​“It was a fantastic privilege to welcome the Mayor to Wilton and highlight the innovative work we are doing there and at our other sites.

“He was very interested in our work with Calysta and what we are doing in areas such as wearable technology too.

“We are already known for our outstanding technical expertise, industry-relevant assets and deep understanding of funding streams.

“However, with the Government’s £107m funding, we can continue providing that vital support and strengthen our position as an increasingly important player in the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Northern Powerhouse.”