Strengthening Research and Development capabilities through collaboration

Cardiff University’s long standing relationship with Eriez®, a global leader in separation technologies, has been further enhanced by Eriez’ recent inauguration of its cutting-edge Research and Development hub at Cardiff Innovations, Cardiff University’s innovative business incubator space.

Established in 1942, Eriez® is committed to innovation, dedicating itself to providing trusted technical solutions to mining, food, recycling, packaging, aggregate and processing industries. With over 900 employees, the company develops trusted technical solutions to the mining, food, recycling, packaging, aggregate, and other processing industries. Headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, Eriez designs, manufactures, and markets on six continents through 12 wholly owned international subsidiaries.  Its European base, Eriez Magnetics Europe Limited is in Bedwas, Caerphilly.

In this blog we find out more about this successful partnership and the exciting plans for its future collaboration.

Enhancing R&D

Eriez’ relationship with Cardiff University began when Eriez joined the advisory board for the university’s specialist Magnetic Materials & Applications (MAGMA) research centre. The relationship progressed into a successful enhanced Knowledge Transfer Partnership (eKTP) which took place from 2019 to 2022. Focused on signal processing and the electronic design of a metal detector control, the ektp has led to the development of groundbreaking new series of metal detectors. The new Eriez MetAlarm metal detector, specifically tailored to the aggregates sector was launched in June 2024, and is now manufactured in Bedwas, Wales, and delivered to customers across the UK, USA, and beyond.

Christopher Dyer, Lead R&D Electronic Engineer for Eriez and a Cardiff alumni, was the KTP Associate on the eKTP, who led on the project:

“Partnering with the university has allowed Eriez to leapfrog the usual technological and financial hurdles common to new technological ventures, to fast-track development, such as new product development and AI studies.”

eKTPs are part funded by Welsh Government, and add an international element to the KTP programme, offering funding to eligible Welsh companies who may benefit from international knowledge and technology.

“The extended aspect of the eKTP gave greater scope for me to engage with working directly with colleagues in Erie, Pennsylvania to bring the development closer to commercial fruition.”

Gareth Meese, Managing Director of Eriez-Europe, highlights the success of the eKTP: “Our partnership with Cardiff University underscores the power of KTPs in turning academic research into real-world industrial advancements. The strong market adoption of the MetAlarm demonstrates Eriez-Europe’s position as a dynamic, forward-thinking manufacturer and employer in South Wales, while solidifying our global leadership position in metal detection technology.”

Real-world impact

The university has gained several benefits from the eKTP and its relationship with Eriez. Cardiff School of Engineering has developed niche expertise in pulse-induction metal detection which could be an important asset in future collaborations. The KTP is routinely discussed as an exemplar of Cardiff University’s research and industrial collaboration in the School’s research talks to national and international audiences, with the project a strong example of how research can be converted into real-world impact.

Dr Jeremy Hall, lead academic on the project: “The KTP partnership has allowed the university to demonstrate the impact of its research and has enabled the development of a graduate engineer into a valued employee who is now leading the on-going collaboration between the University, Eriez and, more recently, with its supply chain partners.”

“We look forward to expanding the collaboration from pulsed induction metal detection to wider aspects of materials sorting and process control through application of advanced magnetic field modelling and AI techniques for enhanced signal processing across a range of industry sectors as diverse as food & pharma and aggregates & mining.”

Future plans

Beyond product development, Eriez has bolstered its ability to obtain external funding for innovation.                                  The company successfully secured £112k through two Innovate UK projects for AI-driven metal detection applications.

The partnership is currently working on an Artificial Intelligence (AI) feasibility study, supported by an Innovate UK grant, designed to transform industrial metal detection in food and pharmaceutical processing. Eriez is also actively involved in supporting an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) initiative, investigating, and developing AI applications within metal detection and other related fields.

Further, Eriez has privately financed Cardiff University projects, reinforcing its long-term commitment to academic collaboration. With weekly engagement between Eriez and Cardiff University researchers, the partnership continues to drive advancements in next-generation technology.

The success of this initiative has significantly expanded Eriez’ research and development (R&D) capabilities. What began with a single researcher at Eriez’ Bedwas site has evolved into a dedicated five-person team based at Spark|Sbarc. Eriez’ Wales-based R&D team now operates primarily from this new, state-of-the-art facility.

Eriez’ move into Cardiff Innovations further underscores the company’s dedication to fostering innovation and expanding its Research and Development initiatives, with the space providing Eriez with streamlined access to support and a seamless communication pipeline.

Further information

2025 marks half a century of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Welsh Government recently held a celebration event at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. Eriez’ eKTP with Cardiff University was showcased at this event as an exemplary partnership which demonstrates the extensive benefits provided by the KTP programme. To learn more about this successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership: Eriez Enhanced Knowledge Transfer Partnership | Innovation (gov.wales)  . 

At the event Welsh Government announced that their 75% funding contribution for Welsh SME KTPs will continue until March 2027. To find out more about KTPs, please contact: BEP@cardiff.ac.uk

Discover the growing innovation community and opportunities available in Cardiff Innovations labs, offices, and co working spaces.