TWI is one of the world’s foremost independent research and technology organisations, with expertise in materials joining and engineering processes as applied in industry. TWI specialises in innovation, knowledge transfer and solving problems across all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life integrity management. Established in Cambridge, UK in 1946, the organisation has gained a first-class reputation for service through its teams of respected consultants, scientists, engineers and support staff. With around 800 employees, it works with over 1800 Industrial Member companies in over 70 countries. TWI currently operates from 54,000 square metres (581,000 square feet) of manufacturing, testing and training space; five UK and 13 overseas facilities serve both its Industrial Membership and its training and examination needs. A successful international Training and Examinations programme sees around 25,000 students trained each year in welding and inspection technologies.