Special Melted Products Limited (SMP), the University of Sheffield (UoS) and National Taiwan University (NTU) have signed a landmark tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative framework for cutting-edge research and development in advanced
materials, manufacturing technologies and net-zero solutions, with SMP playing a central role as the UK industrial hub for parent company Walsin Lihwa’s global R&D activities.
The agreement formalises a trilateral partnership aimed at accelerating innovation in advanced alloys, functional materials, precision and digital manufacturing, smart production systems, and sustainable, low-carbon technologies. A major focus will be the development of an R&D platform by SMP, the UoS and NTU to strengthen nickel-based superalloy manufacturing capabilities.
A key initiative under the MOU is the creation of a virtual Walsin Centre for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, jointly hosted by NTU and the UoS. The centre will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, technical collaboration, equipment sharing and personnel exchange among the three parties, supported by a 25-person R&D centre in Sheffield hosted by SMP close to the UoS.
The MOU outlines:
- Joint Research and Innovation
Collaborative projects in advanced materials, manufacturing, and net-zero technologies
- Equipment and Facility Sharing
Access to research infrastructure, governed by each institution’s policies and safety standards
- Personnel Exchange
Opportunities for researchers, engineers, and students to participate in exchange programs, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building
This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of NTU, UoS, and Walsin Lihwa via SMP to drive technological advancement and sustainability in the global materials and manufacturing sectors, and facilitates close R&D collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), end users and customers, enabling SMP to enhance its position as a key supply chain partner in the markets it chooses to serve. The scale of the research endeavour will bring together researchers, engineers and students across the partner organisations, creating a platform for long-term collaboration and knowledge transfer.
The platform would not be possible without the backing of Walsin Lihwa, whose support is enabling SMP to expand its nickel-based superalloy R&D capabilities in partnership with leading academic institutions. SMP would also like to thank the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) for its support.
The MOU was signed on behalf of Walsin Lihwa by Andy Richardson, CEO of Special Melted Products, the UK industrial hub for global R&D activities; on behalf of National Taiwan University by Professor Mao-Hsiung Chiang, Dean of the College of Engineering; and on behalf of the
University of Sheffield by Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice Chancellor.
Back row L-R: Matt Farnsworth (Commercial Director, AMRC); Prof. Ashutosh Tiwari (Deputy Vice-President for Innovation, UoS); Mr. Yu-Lon Chiao (Chairman, Walsin Lihwa); Dr. Gareth Morgan (Managing Director, AML); Sherry Ho (President of Corporate strategy and Supply Chain Management, Walsin Lihwa); Hari Hara Subramanian (Business Engagement & Knowledge Exchange Manager, UoS)
Front row L-R: Prof. Mao-Hsiung Chiang, (Dean of the College of Engineering, NTU); Prof. Koen Lamberts (President and Vice Chancellor, UoS); Andy Richardson (CEO, SMP)
