Our journey

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), based in Coventry, is one of the UK’s leading applied research organisations. It plays a crucial role in industrial transformation by focusing on key future manufacturing technologies and transferring research findings to industry. This strengthens the UK as a hub of industrial activity and benefits society as a whole.

Founded in 2010, the MTC currently operates 3 sites throughout the UK. Its nearly 1,000 employees, predominantly scientists and engineers, are helping to close the gap between academia and industry. Find out more about us and our history on this page.

Foundations

MTC was created by three forward-thinking institutions – all leaders in their field: Loughborough University, The University of Birmingham and The University of Nottingham.

The University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham has a long tradition of partnering with businesses to address business-led challenges. A longstanding relationship with Rolls-Royce through the University Technology Partnership in Materials led to their engagement with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), earning the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize in February 2024.

As a founding partner, the University has supported the MTC's formation and activities in Net Shape Manufacturing and materials characterisation. The Provost and Vice-Principal sits on the MTC Board, working closely with the management team.

The University values business-led innovation, recognising its role in driving UK growth. Our partnership with the MTC enhances academic research and student experience by enabling new innovative research, addressing industry-led challenges, offering placement opportunities for staff and students, and demonstrating the impact of manufacturing-related research. This relationship was further strengthened in 2023 with the creation of a joint MTC Chair in Sustainable Manufacturing and the Sustainable Manufacturing Research Group in the School of Engineering.

The University of Nottingham

A top 20 university in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025) the University of Nottingham is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of its research, placed seventh in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021) according to analysis by Times Higher Education. With an industrially collaborative and ambitious research portfolio, the university - specifically the Faculty of Engineering – is home to the: Institutes for Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace Technology, and Energy, Power Electronics and Machine Centre, Omnifactory – a national demonstrator and testbed for smart manufacturing systems, Midlands Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centre, Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, Centre for Additive Manufacturing and two Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres.

Underpinned by sector-leading research facilities Nottingham has research strengths in advanced manufacturing technologies, power electronics, electrification, hydrogen, robotics, additive manufacturing, composites, and advanced materials. As a founding member of the MTC, the University of Nottingham is committed to supporting UK industry in driving UK growth and becoming a global leader in manufacturing.

Loughborough University

Loughborough is a leading UK university, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching and strong links with industry.

Based across two outstanding campuses – in Loughborough and London – the University is committed to ‘Creating Better Futures. Together’ as an internationally engaged research‐intensive university that delivers meaningful impact and keeps students at its heart.

It has been named in the Top 10 UK University’s for Manufacturing and Production Engineering (The Complete University Guide 2025), as well as the world’s top 100 universities for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

As a founding member of the MTC, Loughborough University provides academic leadership across all of MTC’s core themes.

Timeline

Key moments in our history

2010

In the beginning

The MTC building at Ansty Park, Coventry, began to take shape with 10 staff, four technology themes, and Rolls-Royce, Aero Engines and Airbus as the first members of MTC. A management structure and board with leading figures from UK manufacturing and academia were soon established.

2011

A place to call home

After four years of planning and a 16-month build, the 12,000m² MTC building was completed in August 2011. By year-end, there were 50 staff, 20 industrial members, and several projects underway. MTC was confirmed as a Technology Strategy Board’s high value manufacturing centre - later to become the HVM Catapult.

HVMC and Innovate UK

MTC is proud to be part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which is supported by Innovate UK

The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult is a network of seven research and innovation centres established by the UK government to drive the growth and competitiveness of the country's manufacturing sector. Launched in 2011, the HVM Catapult is part of the broader Catapult network designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, facilitating the commercialisation of innovative technologies.

The primary aim of the HVM Catapult is to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness of UK manufacturers. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the HVM Catapult helps companies reduce risks associated with adopting new technologies and accelerates the time-to-market for new products. Through its efforts, the HVM Catapult plays a crucial role in sustaining the UK's position as a leader in high-value manufacturing, contributing to economic growth and job creation in the sector.