Appliance manufacturer Beko plc introduced itself to the UK and Cambridge innovation community at a networking event hosted by its Research and Development (R&D) Centre at Pembroke College on May 4.
The new Beko plc R&D Centre, which is focused on developing advanced and sustainable technologies for consumer products in the home environment, is targeting talent from world-renowned Cambridge University, as well as start-ups, SMEs and universities across the UK to integrate leading innovations into its appliances of the future.
As well as developing technologies such as advanced sensors to enable smart appliances, Beko is also investing in advanced new materials which increase cost efficiencies and reduce energy consumption, the company says.
Beko plc UK managing director Teresa Arbuckle said: “It is great to be able to welcome so many of the University and business community here in Cambridge. We are also delighted to announce our partnership with The Cambridge Network with whom we are working to tap into the expertise that Cambridge has to offer.
“The UK is a hub for excellence and developing breakthrough technology, and we are excited about working to help shape the future of the appliance industry. The R&D Centre in Cambridge is part of our global strategy and ambition to be at the forefront of developing product innovation in the kitchen and more broadly, connected technology throughout the home.”
Arçelik A.S R&D director Cem Kural added: “We remain committed to our continued investment in R&D and our new home in Cambridge is an exciting expansion for us. As a company, last year we completed 301 patent applications and we look forward to building on this here in the UK, and further develop usable innovative technologies for the home.
“In an ever competitive world, it is vital to stand out and offer product differentiation when developing technologically advanced goods. Sustainability must play a role too, and as part of our R&D programme, we are currently looking at the use of advanced and sustainable materials.
“There are over 1,500 technology firms in the Cambridge cluster alone. This gives us a real pool of talent whom we can invest in and work with to further strengthen our credentials as innovators in the white goods market.”
Arçelik A.S currently has a dedicated workforce of over 1,000 researchers and engineers in 10 R&D centres – eight in its home country of Turkey, as well as one in Taiwan, and now one in the UK.
Heading up the team at the Cambridge R&D Centre is Dr Bekir Özyurt, senior manager of R&D technology, and Cambridge PhD graduate Dr Natasha Conway, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the R&D, technology and engineering industries.
