WMG » Success Story

Cooler Vans for Cleaner Cities

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:08:00 GMT

WMG partnered with CoolVan and GAH Refrigeration Ltd to develop the UK’s first fully electric, zero‑emission refrigerated van through the Innovate UK–funded Cit‑E‑Van project. Using advanced simulation, thermal modelling and real‑time testing, WMG helped create a highly efficient electric refrigeration system that cuts carbon emissions by 86%, reduces energy use by 35% and lowers running costs by 32%. The project demonstrates how collaborative innovation can deliver cleaner, quieter and commercially viable cold‑chain transport, supporting the UK’s transition to sustainable urban logistics.

WMG and AMRC map the future of e-machine circularity

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:28:12 GMT

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) creates an urgent global challenge: how to sustainably process millions of high-value electric motors (EMs) at the end of their life. In a key cross-Catapult collaboration, WMG, at the University of ��TV, led a project with Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), the University of Sheffield , to create a detailed digital disassembly map and simulation for recovering value-embedded components and materials such as rare earth magnets, electrical steel, copper and aluminium from end-of-life (EoL) e-machines, thereby drastically mitigating technical bottlenecks and paving the way for circular economy (CE) pathways.

Modernising a 150-year-old manufacturer: Gordon Ellis’ £70k productivity boost

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:28:00 GMT

Traditional family-owned woodworking business, Gordon Ellis, wanted to improve productivity, embed modern technologies and future-proof its manufacturing operations.

Based in Leicestershire, the company specialises in bespoke carpentry and joinery as well as polymer rotational moulding, an in-depth plastic forming process. Over the last 150 years, the business has grown from horses and hand tools to today’s digital-first precision woodworking.

Working with WMG and embedding a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) associate into the business, who implemented a new live monitoring system for Gordon Ellis, led to increased shopfloor capacity, reduced energy consumption and a £70,000 annual saving from physical waste-reduction.

Strengthening EU medical device cybersecurity: WMG’s impact through the MedSecurance project

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:35:00 GMT

Connected medical devices are transforming healthcare but also increasing cybersecurity risks.

Through the MedSecurance project, WMG’s Secure Cyber Systems Research Group is helping strengthen EU medical device cybersecurity by developing practical tools, regulatory recommendations, and risk-analysis methods that improve patient safety, support manufacturers, and enable secure innovation in connected healthcare technologies.

Developing the next generation of manufacturing talent with Data Image Group

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:45:00 GMT

Data Image Group, a large-scale print production house based in the East Midlands, has been working with global brands for over forty years.

With a vision to become an industry leader in innovation, the company partnered with WMG to access funding, engage in knowledge exchange programmes, and collaborate with talented graduates, turning their ambition into action via internships.

From manual to modern: how WMG helped drive Darvick’s growth journey

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:29:00 GMT

Based in the Black Country, Darvick is a leading manufacturer of bespoke testing machines that push high-tech components to their limits.

Founded by husband and wife Darren and Vicki Wilkes, the company works with clients across aerospace, nuclear engineering, transport and more, designing machines capable of testing new materials and components under extreme conditions.

As the team grew and workload increased, outdated processes and data systems became a major bottleneck. To overcome this, Darvick partnered with WMG’s SME Group through Made Smarter West Midlands, to upgrade their lab management system to fly closer to its sky-high growth ambitions.

From start-up to scale-up: how WMG helped The Muzzle Movement cut lead times by 80%

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:30:00 GMT

Founded in 2022 by CEO Clara Hewson, The Muzzle Movement is an East Midlands-based manufacturer creating well-designed and comfortable muzzles for dogs.

The company exists not only to shake up an outdated muzzle market, but to shift public perceptions; demonstrating that muzzled dogs aren’t ‘scary’, but friendly, supported, and approachable.

To support their ambitions for growth, The Muzzle Movement partnered with WMG’s SME Group to scale-up production, improve business processes and expand their customer base.

From 2.5 days to 40 minutes: how WMG helped power Wright Rubber’s growth

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:54:00 GMT

Challenge: Traditional processes in need of digital transformation

Led by Managing Director Laura Hill, Wright Rubber’s team of six supplies gaskets, hoses, extrusions and rubber mouldings to their customers across the UK and Europe.

To secure the future of the business, Laura wanted to modernise operations and introduce digital processes to make their manufacturing faster and more efficient.

WMG Winding Centre of Excellence validates key stator impregnation processes, advancing Safran’s ENGINeUS electrical machine development.

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:30:00 GMT

WMG’s Winding Centre of Excellence has worked with Safran Electrical and Power to validate advanced stator impregnation processes, helping to overcome key manufacturing challenges in developing the ENGINeUS electric propulsion engines. As aviation moves rapidly towards cleaner, quieter and more efficient electric and hybrid flight, this collaboration is laying the foundations for scalable, automated production of next generation electrical machines.

Inside the Cell: Internal thermal sensing for eVTOL battery performance

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:26:00 GMT

At the heart of eVTOL technology lies the battery system, crucial to the aircraft’s safety, performance and cost-efficiency. During take-off and landing, batteries endure high power demands, which drive requirements for high temperature operation and wide operational current windows. Cylindrical cells are commonly used, in eVTOL applications, due to their standardised shape and built-in safety features such as Current Interruption Devices (CID).