Atkinson Vos - Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Aims
To utilise the expertise from the LU Engineering department to set up a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Atkinson Vos, a specialist in all-terrain vehicles. This aimed to introduce an innovative new design and analysis function enabling the design and manufacture of high-end bespoke products and parts.
Overview
Atkinson Vos is the world’s leading specialist in Unimogs, an all-terrain vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. Through a KTP with Lancaster University’s Engineering Department between 2019-2022, Atkinson Vos introduced an innovative new design and analysis function to its business, utilising the latest 3D CAD design and finite element analysis packages, which has enabled it to design and manufacture high-end and bespoke products and parts. A new data management system, supported by new processes and staff training, is ensuring traceability and repeatability of all products and the developments are enabling the company to CE-mark its new and existing products.
The KTP has helped the Atkinson Vos team to reduce response time to customer requests and present them with a fully developed design. The company has expanded its reach into new markets and gained worldwide recognition for its design and engineering capability, not only for Unimog vehicles but for other 4x4 trucks.
Results and Outcomes
Tab Content: For Partners and Engagement
“The impact of the KTP will be felt in Atkinson Vos for years. The effect on the business has been transformational. We have an agile design and engineering team whose knowledge and expertise can be utilised in many different ways. We anticipate increased turnover and more importantly profits. Our partnership with Lancaster University has been wonderful. It has provided us with two excellent employees and many worthwhile student projects. We plan to continue working with Lancaster University on student projects to help us progress ideas and carry out testing. We would never have been able to make such rapid progress or to attract the talent we have to the business without the KTP”
Three new roles have been created at Atkinson Vos as a result of the KTP. A Mechanical Engineering Apprentice has been taken on, and four Undergraduate placements during the KTP led to the company establishing two new full-time roles
Simon Ward, Director, Atkinson Vos
“The KTP was extremely beneficial for me. I was made responsible for most stages of several complex engineering projects, taking them from concept through to installation on customer vehicles. I also appreciated the opportunity to take part in training and development as part of the KTP. Doing the KTP Associate role at Atkinson Vos helped me to consider the direction I would like my career to go in. KTP is a great programme and I will recommend it to others.”
Laurie Kent, KTP Associate
Tab Content: For Academics
The partnership improved the academic team’s understanding of SME operations and constraints around development, particularly with such a bespoke, customer-focussed business. Significant knowledge transfer back into the university related to the use of adhesives in the commercial environment at Atkinson Vos, working with very large components - differing from the academic environment, where testing is typically undertaken in controlled conditions using smaller components. Staff have enhanced their skills in real-life testing, reviewing test procedures and application to large scale vehicles. Engagement with material suppliers and casting foundry personnel during development has provided further knowledge.
“The KTP has allowed time out from the academic environment and permitted a reality check, reinforcing prior knowledge which is probably vaguely remembered theory and provided real-life examples that reinforce that knowledge. The benefits gained to undergraduate project students with access to industrial personnel and industry challenges has been rewarding for many and an eye opener for others. The KTP has enabled the administration and management of these projects to become far more streamlined and a joy to undertake.”
Dr Stephen Quayle, School of Engineering, Lancaster University
Back to listing