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Celebrating 45 Years with the the Official Opening of the Centre for Flow Processing

Celebrating 45 Years with the the Official Opening of the Centre for Flow Processing

On Friday 19th September CALGAVIN marked its 45th anniversary in style with the official opening of its pioneering Centre for Flow Processing (CFP) at its headquarters in Alcester. The Centre undertakes cutting edge research into the science of fluid flow dynamics, supporting process and energy industries worldwide. The event brought together distinguished guests from academia, government, industry and the local community to celebrate the company’s legacy of innovation and its ambitious future.

The High Bailiff and her Consort, the Town Crier of Alcester Court Leet, announced the official opening of the Centre for Flow Processing with the ringing of the ceremonial bell.

Guests were then welcomed by CALGAVIN’s Managing Director, Martin Gough. These included senior representatives from the University of Birmingham’s School of Chemical Engineering, local government leaders, Members of Parliament, and CALGAVIN technical agents from Bahrain, Croatia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Korea, and Thailand.

Martin Gough said:

“The launch of the Centre for Flow Processing is not only a milestone in CALGAVIN’s history but also a platform for driving future innovation. It reflects our continued commitment to engineering excellence through our collaboration with academia.”

Martin Gough was joined by Emeritus Professor Jonathan Seville of the University of Birmingham to reflect on 45 years of partnership and the significance of the Centre for Flow.

Emeritus Prof. Jonathan Seville added:

“Our collaboration with CALGAVIN has been truly special, spanning research, teaching, and professional practice. For 45 years, CALGAVIN has set the benchmark in tackling complex heat transfer challenges and I look forward to what we will achieve together in the years ahead.”

Among the honorary guests were:

  • Prof. Marika Taylor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham
  • The Rt Hon Manuela Perteghella, MP for Stratford-on-Avon
  • The Mayor of Alcester, Cllr David Henderson, and Consort Mrs Lesley Henderson
  • Representatives from Stratford District Council, Alcester Town Council, and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

Guests shared their reflections on the opening of the Centre for Flow Processing and CALGAVIN’s impact on innovation, research, and education:

Cllr David Henderson, Mayor of Alcester:

“CALGAVIN is not only a major local employer but also a source of innovation and international recognition for Alcester. Your expansion brings high-quality jobs, strengthens community ties, and ensures our town plays a role in global engineering progress. We are proud to have you here.

The Rt Hon Manuela Perteghella, MP for Stratford-on-Avon:

“The Centre for Flow Processing is a hub of innovation with real-world impact—from advancing sustainable technologies to nurturing the next generation of engineers. I am proud to see this world-leading work taking place here in Alcester.”

Prof. Marika Taylor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Birmingham:

“This Centre exemplifies the power of university–industry collaboration—offering students real-world experience while driving breakthrough research that makes the UK a global leader in innovation. I am delighted to celebrate this partnership and excited for what comes next.”

Following the speeches, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting was carried out by The Mayor of Alcester, The Rt Hon Manuela Perteghella MP, Prof. Marika Taylor, and Dr Peter Droegemueller, Head of Research at CALGAVIN. Guests then witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, celebrating 45 Years of collaboration between CALGAVIN and the University of Birmingham, inside the new facility.

The day continued with a celebratory lunch, networking, and guided tours of the Centre, giving attendees the opportunity to see first-hand the advanced facilities and test rigs that will support research and development for decades to come.

The opening also marked CALGAVIN’s 45th anniversary, celebrating the company’s evolution into a global leader in heat transfer solutions. The celebrations concluded in style with a special anniversary event hosted at the historic Ragley Hall in Alcester.