Advanced Engineering is working with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Surrey in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

In a three-year partnership, a team of British chemists at the university are working to help Advanced to develop the next generation of solvents and cleaning products that are environmentally-friendly and more effective in the field.

The commercial-academic alliance, known as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), is a part government-funded programme designed to support businesses who want to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance by working in partnership with UK universities and colleges.

Chairman of Advanced Engineering, Barry Lea, said: 'Tapping into the knowledge and expertise of a world class university helps us to refine current products and develop new lines in the short term, but in the long term it helps us strengthen our position as an innovator and a global market leader.'

Dr Scott Turner explained: 'For Advanced Engineering we are focusing on understanding the fundamental chemical - exactly why a particular chemical is in a formulation, how its action can be improved and how its environmental impact can be reduced - all by understanding the molecules involved.

'During the lifetime of the KTP we intend to produce a line of new liquid cleaning products that are less hazardous to the environment and the end user. The aim is to achieve this while simultaneously improving the efficiency of the cleaning action.

He continued: 'We also intend to produce a new biocide for refrigeration units, with a specific focus on improving the range of temperatures across which it can operate.

'This new product will not only open up new markets for Advanced Engineering but is also likely to have a prolonged action time, giving a cost saving to the engineer who uses it.'