MAIER and IK4-TEKNIKER strengthen their alliance

The technology centre IK4-TEKNIKER and MAIER, a manufacturer of automotive components, have signed a framework cooperation agreement for the purpose of bringing together the knowledge of both Basque companies in the field of R&D&I and jointly develop technology advanced products and deliver innovative services.

The agreement has been signed at the technology centre’s head office by the Director General of IK4-TEKNIKER, Alejandro Bengoa; by Martín Ugalde, CEO of MAIER and by the Managing Director of MTC (MAIER TECHNOLOGY CENTRE) Aitor Atutxa, to strengthen the technological ties resulting from the joint work involving both organisations over the years.

The ultimate aim of the new framework agreement is to provide added value to MTC’s activities and, to that end, encompass a range of diverse activities that actually coalesce with the goals shared by both organisations.

Amongst some of the most relevant contributions made by IK4-TEKNIKER for MTC, special mention must be made of the technology centre’s extensive expertise in terms of manufacturing technologies applied to surface treatments, automation and process scaling.

This is proof of IK4-TEKNIKER’s commitment as regards prioritising the agreement’s activities and pursuant to which the company will deploy all the necessary human and material resources required to develop MTC’s business strategies.

Both organisations will jointly develop R&D&I projects by coordinating their research efforts and adapting them to real market needs. The centre will participate in the development and innovation management plan that MAIER releases every year by providing knowledge and the support of qualified staff. In this regard, IK4-TEKNIKER will develop technologies and preliminary studies in the form of proposals to allow MAIER to maximise its results.

International technological alliances

The agreement will also foster international technological alliances needed to broaden knowledge and improve the end results of any activities carried out.
The level of commitment attained by both companies also means that MAIER will benefit from the internal training programme (Knowledge Sharing) developed at IK4-TEKNIKER.

The framework agreement, that came into force at the time of it’s signing, will remain in force until October 1 2017. The agreement has also given rise to managing and technical committees that will regularly monitor any activities carried out during the year.

This new proceeding constitutes the formalisation and extension of the Collaboration Agreement signed by both organisations at the end of 2015 whereby MAIER initially became an IK4-TEKNIKER Collaborating Body and eventually formed part of the IK4-TEKNIKER board of trustees made up of 8 institutions and 12 companies.

This agreement reaffirms the need to focus on innovative products so that any work done jointly by companies and technology centres does play a vital role. With an outstanding track record and a product innovation vocation, MAIER has clearly put its stakes on achieving continuity for investments connected to technological innovation that will allow the company to reinforce its market position on an international scale.

 

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