Ritherdon

Ritherdon, a family owned SME and the UK’s largest domestic steel meter box supplier, contacted The University of Manchester seeking assistance for simulation of vehicle impact on their roadside metal cabinets.

The Business Engagement Support Team identified academic expertise within the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, and supported the initiation of a consultancy project.

The modelling work undertaken on the safety parameters of the stainless steel electrical enclosures led to the design of the first passively safe roadside cabinet.

Due to the unique nature of the cabinet and its function, Ritherdon have progressed with a design patent (pending) with support provided by The University of Manchester Intellectual Property.

Following this initial consultancy arrangement, the relationship between The University of Manchester and Ritherdon has grown, and with support by the Knowledge Exchange Team, an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) has been successfully awarded.

• Download the Ritherdon case study (PDF document, 7MB)