The Award for Long Term Collaboration is made to Mosaici, for its highly successful collaboration with another of Cardiff University’s accredited Centres of Excellence, the Manufacturing Engineering Centre (MEC).
Geoff Thomas, of Mosaici, continues to work with the MEC in order to transform an idea, based on his personal interest in a traditional decorative art form, into an innovative business, grounded on the application of high-tech manufacturing processes.
Traditionally, mosaics are produced using ancient techniques which are time consuming and, ultimately, expensive. The collaboration with the MEC aimed to speed up this process without having to compromise on quality or accuracy. Mosaici is now in a position to design, manufacture and, in the near future, distribute mosaic kits to trade and DIY outlets.
Geoff Thomas of Mosaici, said, “ through our association with the MEC we have been able to develop and bring to the market a novel and easy to use mosaic tile building system, the results of which has even impressed several of the worlds leading professional mosaicists based in Italy. Following the launch of our product range at the CHA show in Atlanta we are now in a position to capitalise on our research efforts and we are already in discussions with select retail outlets here in Wales.”
Geraint Evans of the MEC worked with Mosaici, taking what was essentially the germ of a idea for a business and, using 3D modelling techniques, demonstrated that, by applying cutting edge technologies, it was possible to rapidly produce prototypes of mosaic designs. These prototypes, after successful testing, allowed Geoff to demonstrate difficult to explain concepts and attract significant investor and market interest.
An innovative approach has resulted in the production of pattern templates which drastically simplify the re-creation of traditional mosaic designs, without compromising on the high-quality of components used.
The kits and finished products are now being launched in the UK and the company is poised to expand its markets into North America, where there is a great deal of interest. Funding Support was provided by Help Wales
Further Information:
Manufacturing Engineering Centre
Help Wales
Edwards Geldard