In order to bolster its development capabilities, Zircotec is investing in a new R&D facility and has appointed new tech director Simon Hiiemae (right). This follows an increased demand for wear resistant and anti-corrosion coatings.
Hiiemae previously worked for an international surface solutions company where he played an instrumental role on numerous pioneering surface engineering projects.
“Zircotec has identified benefits of its plasma spray coating technology that go beyond advanced thermal management and we’re delighted to welcome Simon Hiiemae to the board of directors,” commented Zircotec group sales director Graeme Barette.
“He has the proven expertise and diverse market knowledge to help improve and expand our current thermal barrier ranges into new areas within the automotive industry. Testing has shown that our technology can be used to improve corrosion and wear resistance and through our close relationship with vehicle manufacturers we know it will help them to solve some interesting challenges that they face.”
Hiiemae will be able to call upon experience gained in the space, aerospace, industrial, defence, architectural, maritime and deep-sea industries. Some of the R&D projects currently underway at the company are focused on the development of automation processes, new product technologies and expansion into new industries.
Hiiemae added, “Originally developed for the British nuclear industry and then adopted by Formula 1, Zircotec’s plasma spray coating can be developed for even harsher environments and higher temperatures without negatively impacting production or point of sale costs.”