REDCAR, UK — Applied Graphene Materials (AGM), producer of specialty graphene nano-platelet dispersions, announced the implementation of a key component of its technology roadmap following a successful grant application supported by the Tees Valley Business Growth Fund (TVBGF). The fund supports SMEs in the Tees Valley to grow their business, improve productivity and stimulate local growth.

After a decade in business, AGM has seen growth in many areas and has expanded its in-house capabilities to meet increasing demand for its graphene nano-platelet technology. The installation of a new paint and coatings spray booth facility using the funding secured will facilitate accelerated internal research and customer developments, offer additional specialist training opportunities for staff, and enable AGM to complete projects even more efficiently and with a broader scope.

Growth Fund grant programs can provide a significant contribution towards the expansion of regional SMEs and can help them to compete on a national and an international level. The funding opportunity identified by AGM through the Tees Valley Combined Authority has resulted in around £47,500 (approximately $65,858) being awarded to the company.

The Tees Valley Business Growth Fund is managed by Tees Valley Business, which is the local growth hub for the Tees Valley, established by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. The fund is receiving support from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The latest addition to AGM’s facility based at The Wilton Centre, Redcar, will supplement the UK manufacturer’s existing comprehensive coatings capabilities and rigorous testing processes. AGM customers have direct access to its graphene dispersion expertise through its accelerator program, offering a unique end-to-end service for customer project development.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said, “It is brilliant that the Tees Valley Business Growth Fund is helping this innovative manufacturer to accelerate its world-leading research and development, and to create sustainable solutions for graphene use in the industrial products of the future.

“Once again our local businesses are at the cutting edge of industry and AGM, based on the Wilton site, is the latest in a long line of firms to share good news on the ground-breaking work going on right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Learn more about AGM at www.appliedgraphenematerials.com.