\n\tMeridian Lightweight Technologies, Plymouth, Mich., announces that Birmingham City University, England, has signed an exclusive partnership with Meridian, the world’s largest producer of magnesium components, to showcase magnesium as a viable alternative for luxury car makers and the aerospace industry. The two organizations will work together in the education, research, and development of magnesium automotive applications.<\/p>\n
\n\tMeridian’s Nottinghamshire plant produces around 5000 net metric tons of die-cast products annually, serving automotive clients such as Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, Ford, Honda, and Volvo.<\/p>\n
\n\tHowever, being able to offer custom magnesium components for low-volume manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, can prove costly with current manufacturing methods.<\/p>\n
\n\tAs part of the new partnership with Meridian, academics from Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment, and personnel from the company will be investigating new ways to offer more sustainable goods for low-volume manufacturers, while making production financially viable for Meridian and its potential clients.<\/p>\n
\n\t“The strategic partnership we have signed with Birmingham City University is very much a first for us,” says Meridian’s Randy Chalmers. “As one the world’s leading suppliers of innovative, lightweight cast metal solutions for the transportation industry, it is imperative that we remain at the forefront of the machining and casting capabilities of magnesium. Our partnership with Birmingham City University will certainly catalyze this, allowing us to benefit from its leading-edge research in the field, and ensuring that the next generation of engineers continues to experiment with new ways to utilize the metal.”<\/p>\n