A TECHNOLOGY organisation’s new £28m County Durham research hub will help spearhead a project to improve vehicle engine oil reliability, bosses have revealed.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is playing a major role in Microstar, which aims to better understand the workings of everyday goods.

Officials say the CPI’s National Formulation Centre, which is based on NetPark, in Sedgefield, could offer open access testing facilities by 2020 to build on Microstar’s initial findings.

The centre was first announced by then Chancellor George Osborne in his 2015 Budget and has been described as a headquarters for national research and development on products, including washing detergents that can be used without water and lubricants to make engines run faster.

Bosses say it is due to open later this year.

According to the CPI, Microstar will also include Durham University and Imperial College, as well as industry operators BP and Procter & Gamble.

Graeme Cruickshank, director of the National Formulation Centre, said the project will initially work on studies to replicate temperatures and stresses experienced by a lubricant in an engine.

He said: “We are delighted to have such a high calibre of partners on board.

“This is an indication of just how powerful this collaboration is and confirms the development of this capability is key to the success of the UK-based formulating industries.

“Microstar fully fits with our strategy of enabling companies to learn small, fast and thoroughly and drive efficiency in the product development process.”

Richard Thompson, senior research fellow at Durham University, echoed the positivity, saying the scheme has great potential.

He added: “Working from this perspective provides an excellent opportunity to connect rigorous science with applications where its impact will be felt.”

Speaking to the Echo last year as work began on the National Formulation Centre, Mr Cruickshank said the base will play a crucial role in future product development.

He added: “Formulation is the newest baby in the CPI family; nearly every product you see in the supermarket is made using formulation.

“It is a complex process of mixing ingredients together to make products, including foods, medicines, cosmetics and detergents.

“The centre will be available and accessible to all, whether that be big organisations, small businesses or universities.

“It will strengthen regional roots, support the nation, and also be an impact globally.”