The two companies are preparing for the future and will be working together to provide more benefits for their respective customers, including an integrated and full service to the technical and traditional ceramics sectors.

PCL's technical ceramics processing in the defence, healthcare and aerospace sectors, along with knowledge of the sanitaryware industry, will be combined with Lucideon's expertise in materials selection, development and characterisation to provide an end-to-end service for ceramics manufacturers and the supply chain worldwide.

Tony Kinsella, Chief Executive of Lucideon, which has its global headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “We are extremely pleased to be teaming up with PCL Ceramics to offer this unrivalled service to the ceramics sectors.

"Both PCL and Lucideon are passionate about delivering new technologies to the world and are working relentlessly towards this goal.

"Materials and processing challenges are inherently linked. This strategic partnership will allow us to pool our knowledge and experience to benefit both our and PCL’s clients, helping them to overcome challenges and to develop new products and processes quickly and cost-effectively."

Cyril Journoux, Managing Director at Kings Lynn-based PCL Ceramics, said: "Considering the design for manufacturing principles, our expertise needs to come earlier in the design for products for our customers, which is where Lucideon is involved. We also see this relationship as a strong baseline for the launch of our PCL service.

"At PCL, innovation and problem solving is in our DNA, and we feel that this partnership will be a great asset in supporting this and delivering greater value to our customers."

"With combined industry skills and knowledge, we both expect to see further developments in their joint service offering over the coming months."

About Lucideon

Lucideon is a development and commercialisation organisation (DCO), specialising in materials technologies and processes. Its application of cross-industry insight, materials science expertise and innovative thinking allows industry to develop and implement disruptive technology platforms, providing cost and/or product performance benefits and enabling real market differentiation. It utilises its thousands of man years of experience in development, analysis and assurance to deliver significant competitive advantage to its customers.

In addition to a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers and commercial analysts, Lucideon has world-leading testing and characterisation laboratories, a combination of pilot and feasibility plant and equipment and a management and certification division.

About PCL Ceramics

PCL Ceramics Ltd established in 1991, is one of the market leaders in developing resin moulds, materials, handling equipment and high-pressure casting technology for the sanitaryware, tableware and technical ceramics industry worldwide.

PCL continues to expand its profile with exciting and innovative new materials, the introduction of PCL service and advanced dynamic casting systems whilst continuously improving their current and exciting product range.

From conception to completion, the commitment to innovation is fully supported by their experienced staff and partners who provide a wide range of customer support and advice on all aspects of high-pressure casting and associated materials and equipment.

PCL is passionate about providing leading technology solutions to the world.