Eriez® Celebrates Pioneering Collaboration with Cardiff University at KTP@50 Event
Eriez®, a global leader in separation technologies, proudly showcased its successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Cardiff University at the KTP@50 event held on 20 March 2025 at the historic Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. This celebration marked 50 years of the KTP programme, which connects businesses with academic institutions to fuel innovation and growth.
Eriez’ Enhanced Knowledge Transfer Partnership (eKTP) with Cardiff University played a key role in developing advanced signal processing and electronic design for its metal detection technology. This collaboration directly led to the launch of the Eriez digital MetAlarm metal detector in June 2024, now manufactured in Bedwas, Wales, and supplied to customers across the UK, the US, and globally.
The success of the eKTP has significantly strengthened Eriez’ research and development capabilities. What began with a single researcher at the Bedwas site has grown into a dedicated five-person team based at Spark|Sbarc, Cardiff University’s flagship innovation hub. Additional KTP funding has also bolstered cross-border collaboration, helping to unite Eriez' global teams with leading academic minds for a more integrated innovation strategy.
Chris Dyer, Lead R&D Electronic Engineer at Eriez-Europe and a Cardiff University alumnus, represented Eriez at the KTP@50 event. His PhD research was central to the KTP. Speaking at the event, Dyer highlighted the partnership’s impact: “Working with Cardiff University has given Eriez a competitive advantage in metal detection, accelerating both development and uptake of our latest technology.”
Beyond product development, Eriez has also enhanced its ability to secure external innovation funding. The company has been awarded £112,000 across two InnovateUK projects focused on AI-driven metal detection, with further applications in progress. Additionally, Eriez has privately funded Cardiff University research projects, demonstrating its long-term commitment to academic collaboration. Weekly interaction between Eriez and university researchers ensures the partnership continues to foster technological innovation.
Gareth Meese, Managing Director of Eriez-Europe, underlined the project’s wider significance: “Our work with Cardiff University showcases the potential of KTPs to turn academic expertise into real-world industrial solutions. The success of the MetAlarm underlines Eriez-Europe’s role as a forward-thinking manufacturer and employer in South Wales, and reinforces our position as global leaders in metal detection technology.”
While reflecting on the partnership’s success at the KTP@50 event, Dyer stressed that this is just the beginning: “The progress we’ve made so far is a great achievement, but we’re even more excited about what comes next. This partnership will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.”
About the KTP Programme
Since its creation in 1975, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has helped businesses innovate by linking them with academic institutions to solve strategic challenges and support long-term growth. With over 14,000 projects completed to date, the programme delivers an estimated £5.50 return for every £1 invested, making a substantial contribution to the UK economy. By bridging research and industry, KTP continues to drive technological advancement and sustainable business success.
Visit the Eriez Magnetics Europe Ltd website for more information on Eriez® Celebrates Pioneering Collaboration with Cardiff University at KTP@50 Event