Alex Stephenson CBE has pledged to continue overseeing the growth of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) after succeeding Sir Terry Morgan as chairman.
Alex Stephenson, who has served as a non-executive director of the Coventry-based MTC for six years, begins a three-year term in the role after Sir Terry stepped down from the board.
Former Amey CEO, Mel Ewell will also join the board; effective from October 1.
Stephenson and Ewell aim to continue the rapid evolution of the MTC, which has developed into a success story for the UK manufacturing industry since its launch in 2011.
Stephenson, who has witnessed first-hand the MTC’s growth, from a building site to a leading advanced centre developing cutting-edge technologies, paid tribute to Sir Terry’s contribution.
He said: “We have been very lucky and honoured to have him as our first chairman.
“I share his excitement and enthusiasm for what has been created here, which is a real one-off demonstrating how industry, universities and government can work together to improve the competitiveness of what we achieve in the UK.
“Going forward for the next six years, we’ll be able to achieve even more. We’re broadening the sectors we work with, from our traditional areas like automotive and aerospace into the construction industry and other sectors such as building design and oil and gas.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to working with Mel. Until recently he was chief executive of Amey, which is also a member of the MTC. Mel is someone who really understands the MTC’s offer. He’s going to be a fantastic addition to the board, there’s little doubt about that.”
Ewell, spent 15 years at Amey – 13 of them as chief executive. He oversaw the sale of the company to Ferrovial and helped establish it as one of the UK’s largest engineering and infrastructure companies. He now aims to bring this expertise and knowledge to the MTC.
Outgoing chairman Sir Terry, who was knighted in the 2016 Queen’s birthday honours list, reflected on the achievements at the MTC and its future growth.
He noted: “It has been a fantastic journey when you consider where we have come from in six years – from sitting on plastic chairs inside a Portakabin to the magnificent facility we have now.
“But it is not just about the facility, it’s also about the recruitment and retention of the best people to make it all possible.
“The MTC supports the very best there is in the UK and over six years it has be able to bring people to the centre and showcase what it’s capable of delivering with new technologies.
“I find myself talking about the MTC on a daily basis and I won’t stop talking about it just because I’m no longer involved.”
