Development Engineer/Plastics Technologist, (Permanent) IBP Ltd, Birmingham. (Dec.’99 – Dec ’00) As principal designer, I headed the team to develop a manifold based plumbing system in plastics for domestic potable water and heating.
My market research at German trade shows and interviews with plumbers & stockists derived the final Design Specification. IBP’s board was impressed with the functionality of our prototypes but failed to take the system to market after just starting too late with this fantastic new product. IBP chose to revert to its more conventional but expensive copper-based push-fit and traditional brass fittings. Our plastics-based project was cancelled, designers made redundant and the company changed hands within the year.