UK coatings specialist secures TSB funding
Oxfordshire-based firm Hardide Coatings has secured a £250,000 grant from the Technology Strategy Board to commercialise a new hardfacing coating for the drilling industry.
"The successful completion of this project will produce an innovative new coating and hardfacing material that will offer users of drilling and downhole tools for the oil and gas industry, as well as mining and construction equipment, an unprecedented level of wear and erosion resistance," said Philip Kirkham, the company's ceo.
"It has the potential to unlock new drilling and cutting capabilities which will be of extremely high value to users."
While laboratory development on the new coating has already been underway for the last five years, Hardide is hopeful that the grant will allow it to establish a prototype manufacturing facility at its plant in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and fast track the project to conclusion in two years.
