The Manufacturing Technology Centre has appointed one of the Midlands’ best known businessmen as its new chairman.
Mel Ewell, former chief executive of Amey, has been on the MTC board as a non-executive director since October 2016, and takes over from Sir David Brown.
He studied at Kingston University where he gained a BSc (Hons) in geography and subsequently an honorary doctorate, and has held senior executive positions in a wide range of sectors, with Amey, TNT International, ADI Group and SIGplc.
He joined Amey in 2001, becoming chief executive two years later. Under his tenure he successfully guided Ameythrough its sale to Ferrovial. In 2016 he retired from Amey, having transformed it into one of the UK’s largest engineering, construction and infrastructure companies, delivering vital projects across the UK, including key road and rail projects such as the electrification of the Great Western mainline and maintaining the iconic Forth Road Bridge.
In 2011 he became a non-executive director of specialist construction products company SIG plc, and has subsequently been appointed to the boards of HS2, London City Airport, DofE and MOLA.
MTC chief executive Dr Clive Hickman said, “Mel takes over as chair at a significant time for the MTC: the constraints of COVID lockdown are easing as the government removes restrictions, and we are looking forward optimistically to a future where the MTC and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult can have an even greater impact on society, supporting the government’s plans for net zero and the levelling up agenda.”
Speaking of his appointment Mel Ewell said, “Having been closely involved with the MTC for several years I am full of admiration for the talented engineers working there and the remarkable work they do. I am proud to take over the chair of an organisation with such a huge reputation among manufacturing and engineering businesses.”
The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd, and its industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers.
The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions.
