After completing two years with British Turntable under the Knowledge Transfer Scheme (KTP) supported by the University of Bolton, Craig Wright has been appointed to a permanent position within the company as Technical Engineer.

Craig’s KTP project has been to integrate British Turntable’s air bearing and turntable technologies research and development programme. As a result he has been instrumental in developing hand operated towing vehicles for Texkimp, a textiles machinery manufacturer, and a range of vehicles for the movement of aero engines.

John Entwistle, Managing Director of British Turntable, explains: “Our involvement with air bearing technology was increased just over two years ago when we bought the business assets of Hovair Systems, a company well-known world wide for this type of technology.

“Air bearing technology effectively involves floating heavy loads on a cushion of air so that they can be moved about manually with very little effort. In the past heavy machinery has been moved around with fixed overhead cranes or fork-lift trucks, however these methods of moving often result in significant and expensive damage to valuable equipment. Using air film technology can bring significant savings in production costs as well as reducing the risk of accident with equipment and personnel.

“Craig’s work in this field, with the support of the University, means we can now offer a cost-effective and more versatile alternative to traditional methods of moving heavy loads.”

Says the University of Bolton’s Director of Academic Enterprise, Professor Danny Morton: “Through the KTP scheme the University of Bolton provides opportunities for companies to take a graduate on a two year project. The company has access to the university’s resources and a leading academic professional to support and visit the company weekly. Projects can include marketing, e-business product development and technology.

“Craig, a masters graduate, has completed some excellent work at British Turntable as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate, work which has proven to be of significant value to the company partner, increasing both their turnover and profitability.

“The University’s role has been to support Craig and his company in establishing a new product range for the movement of heavy industrial equipment using air bearing technology. The University has helped refine design processes and implement the latest software tools for advanced design and manufacture.

“It is a tribute to the success of the scheme that British Turntable has decided to retain him on a permanent basis.”

Under the government-funded scheme the University, as an accredited KTP provider, employs graduates to work within local businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of the knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. Projects are defined by the company and benefit from strict project management to ensure completion. The average scheme increases growth in both sales and profitability.