Saturn Turbo Services
Teesside University has joined forces with Saturn Turbo Services in a pioneering Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).
Research and innovation
Teesside University has joined forces with Saturn Turbo Services in a pioneering Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to transform the way rotating equipment is serviced and maintained.
Challenge
Saturn Turbo Services – a specialist in inspecting, repairing and maintaining steam turbines and compressors – faced limitations in efficiency due to outdated manual processes, difficulties in sourcing obsolete parts, and challenges linked to materials identification and procurement. These issues restrict productivity and can contribute to increased waste and carbon emissions.
Solution
A team from the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies partnered with Saturn Turbo Services to integrate digitalisation tools, automation and advanced software into the firm’s workflow. Through the KTP, the organisations are applying Industry 4.0 frameworks to streamline reverse engineering tasks, reduce complexity and transition towards fully digital operations.
Impact
The partnership is expected to boost operational efficiency, minimise manufacturing waste and lower CO2 emissions across service activities – benefiting not only Saturn Turbo Services but also the wider UK engineering sector. By adopting cutting-edge digital techniques, the initiative strengthens competitive capability and showcases how academic-industry collaborations can drive regional innovation.
Working with Teesside University has allowed us to explore Industry 4.0 solutions that would have been impossible to achieve alone. This partnership is helping us move from manual processes to a fully digital workflow, strengthening our capabilities and future-proofing our business.