THE Fifth Wheel Company has recently created a brand new opportunity for a development engineer based at its headquarters in St Asaph.

Charlie Small, who has a first-class degree in product design from Bangor University, has secured the two-year placement.

The project will see him spearhead the implementation of new smart digital manufacturing processes focused on industry 4.0 manufacturing principles and introduce advanced composite materials to the company’s bespoke product range.

He said: “This is an incredible opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to working with this unique and successful North Wales business.

"The project will be ground-breaking to the future development of the company and being a part of that is massively exciting.”

The position is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

Established over 40 years ago, a KTP is a UK-wide programme that helps businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.

It is a collaboration between business, the academic institution and individual on a specific project within the company.

The Fifth Wheel Company is a multi-award-winning business and is best known for its unique fifth wheel tourers and the innovative INOS touring caravan.

This isn’t the first time the company and KTP have crossed paths.

In 2012, the company employed now-design manager David Robinson for a previous KTP project.

Dave will be a valuable contributor through his role as Charlie’s mentor on this particular project.

He said: “KTP was a fantastic platform for not only my career, but for introducing the Fifth Wheel Company to new ways of thinking which are still being used here seven years later.

"From my experience, I know Charlie will feel the positive effects of what KTP can do for his own personal development for years to come.” He added: “Charlie has settled in well with the Fifth Wheel Company team and we’re delighted to continue our excellent partnership with Busnes@LlandrilloMenai.

"This will be a valuable project for us all in what is becoming an increasingly digital age, and we must be at the forefront of this new manufacturing revolution.”

To find out more about KTP, visit www.gllm.ac.uk/innovation/ktp/ or contact 01248 3562324.