Exwold turns to AI for manufacturing edge

A Hartlepool-based chemical manufacturer is turning to digital innovation to strengthen production processes and support future growth through a new academic partnership.

Exwold Technology has partnered with Teesside University to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools can enhance its contract chemical processing operations. 

The collaboration is being developed through an application to the Government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KPT) scheme and is expected to run for two years.

Bosses say the project will combine Exwold’s chemical expertise with the University’s digital capabilities to create predictive software that can forecast the outcome of chemical blends before production begins. 

They add that by analysing ingredients, equipment settings and environmental conditions, the tools will help production teams identify potential issues in advance and maintain consistent quality across batches.

Kevin Martin, managing director of Exwold Technology, said: “We are proud to once again engage with Teesside University on this exciting initiative. 

“We are operating in a highly competitive global market, and to stay ahead, we need to provide our team with the best tools available and ensure our operations are robust.

“This partnership isn't about changing who we are. 

“It is a strategic investment to future-proof our facilities and ensure we continue to bring high-value manufacturing work to Teesside.”

Gilly Hall, KTP manager at Teesside University, added: “Knowledge Transfer Partnerships support companies like Exwold to drive real economic change in our communities. 

“It’s fantastic to see our leading academic resources in digital manufacturing being used to support innovation right here in the Tees Valley.”

Exwold expects the initiative to support business growth and create new jobs locally, including an immediate role for a Masters-level graduate to help translate academic research into practical manufacturing solutions.

Sam Price, commercial director of Exwold, added: “From a production standpoint, it will be like a virtual test run for our chemical formulations. 

“We can reduce the number of trials by using data to predict exactly how the ingredients will react before we even switch on our machinery.

“Ultimately, this ‘right-first-time’ approach drastically reduces waste, a key sustainability goal, and ensures we can deliver for our clients with greater speed and consistency.

“It gives us a genuine competitive edge.”

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