News: Metalysis appoint new commercial director

Rotherham firm, Metalysis has appointed Chris Stokes, a former director of London Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Ltd, as Commercial Director as the company embarks on commercialisation of the FFC process.



Based in Manvers, Metalysis holds the worldwide exploitation rights to the FCC Cambridge process which sees specialist powder metals created in a simple, cost effective process with significant environmental benefits.

Using the process, the company has developed an important new technology for producing tantalum, titanium and other metals.

Stokes' appointment follows the successful conclusion of a £3.4million funding round in January 2010, in which all of the company's venture capital partners have invested further funds. This funding will be used to scale-up manufacturing processes.

Mark Bertolini, Chief Executive of Metalysis said: "Chris brings a wealth of commercial, sales and business development experience to Metalysis. His expertise, networks and understanding of metals technologies, processes and markets will be especially valuable. He will play a vital role through the company's commercialisation and market entry."

The Metalysis business, while focused mainly at present on scaling up its innovative technology, is already supplying low volumes of metallurgical grade powders. From 2010 the company will embark upon the commercialisation of its technology. It expects to see substantially increased sales as its semi-continuous pilot production plant comes on stream. Following successful completion of that two-year project, in its next phase of commercialisation the company will begin competing for volume markets serving such worldwide industries as aerospace, marine, medical, chemical, automotive and electronics.

During the last five years Metalysis has raised £19 million in venture capital and a further £4.8 million in grants. From a workforce of three in 2005, the business now employs 50 people in science and engineering, scale-up and commercial development operations. Metalysis holds 24 patent families, filed in 88 countries.

Metalysis website
Rotherham

Images: Metalysis