JPM Trailers in partnership with the South West College has been successful in securing a grant of over £70,000 to help improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. This Technology Strategy Board grant, known as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will see strategic growth of JPM Trailers, from Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, through R&D investment in its design department.
Each KTP employs one or more high calibre associates (recently qualified graduates) for a project lasting one to three years, transferring the knowledge the company is seeking into the business. Each associate works in the company on a project which is core to the strategic development of the business. Through contact with businesses, the knowledge base partner (in this case the South West College) is also provided with a relevant and improved understanding of the challenges companies face, and their business requirements and operations.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a UK-wide programme run and managed on behalf of 17 government funding organisations by the Technology Strategy Board. Each Partnership is part funded by Government with the balance of the costs coming from the company partner. Associates are jointly supervised by a senior member of the business and an academic or technical specialist from the partnering knowledge base organisation.
Speaking after the announcement of the award, Fergal Tuffy of the College’s InnoTech Centre said, “Within the South West College we are continuing to support industry in the South West Region in moving to the next level through high-tech research and development”.
He continued, “KTPs are one of Europe’s leading graduate recruitment programmes. High calibre graduates are employed to work on specific projects of strategic importance to companies whilst being supported by an academic partner”,
The KTP associate will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge and technology between the South West College and JPM Trailers in the area of engineering design. This programme provides an exciting opportunity for a talented graduate to gain valuable experience in a thriving company.
Managing Director of JPM Trailers, Pat O Neill, commented, “We are market leaders in the manufacture and supply of high quality trailers for both agricultural and commercial use. This KTP will allow us to incorporate the latest technology and skills into the company and enhance our research and development capability”.
Pat also felt that this would allow the company to grow even further and enhance its workforce. He said “this partnership will see a KTP graduate based with our company for the next 2 years. In that period we are looking to grow JPM even further by streamlining existing design and manufacturing processes, targeting new markets and expanding our product range.”
This Partnership received financial support from the KTP programme, which aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base. KTP is funded by the Technology Strategy Board along with the other government funding organisations.
To find out more about the KTP programme or advancing your innovative ideas, contact Fergal Tuffy at the InnoTech Centre via www.theinnotechcentre.com or telephone 028 8225 5223.
