Anilox specialist Sandon Global will boost its manufacturing capability after entering a new knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with the University of Manchester. The agreement will see two doctoral associates join Sandon Global from the University to further explore the benefits of academic collaboration and will focus on process digitisation and the use of cutting-edge machinery and software to enhance the company’s manufacturing processes.

The announcement marks the third such arrangement that Sandon Global has entered in recent years to boost its production capabilities. Richard Millington, Managing Director of Sandon Global, said: “Our commitment to research projects like this is critically important to ensuring Sandon Global stays at the forefront of anilox innovation. This KTP with the University of Manchester comes at the perfect time for the business as we look to further upscale in 2023 and boost our manufacturing capability by utilising the latest technology.”

KTPs pair businesses with academics to boost the innovative potential of a company’s goods or services. Sandon Global’s first KTP was a project with the University of Manchester in 2018 that focused on improving coating technology. This project led to Dmitry Bogachov - a material scientist who joined Sandon Global through the KTP - winning the ‘Future Innovator’ category at the 2020 KTP Awards.

A second partnership saw the team at Sandon Global work with Liverpool John Moores University to advance the capabilities of their laser technology allowing the team to explore the potential of their latest developments.

Millington added: “As a business we’re focused on setting the standard in anilox development and production and we’re really excited about the potential of this latest Knowledge Transfer Partnership. We’re bringing expertise into the business to ensure we stay ahead of the game and look forward to seeing the results.”