Earlier this year, IOM3 was invited to participate in discussions with the Institute of Vitreous Enamellers (IVE) to develop the potential interest in a merger. As a small and specialised institute with individual and company members, the Council of the IVE had previously discussed the merits of merging with organisations involved with similar technologies or remaining as a stand-alone body.

Despite the clear difference in size between IVE and IOM3, the significant links that IOM3 has developed with the product design community were viewed as a major benefit of a merger with it. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2010 has paved the way for productive discussion and communication with IVE members.

The merger development is entering its final stage and the process could be concluded in late July or August. The IVE would become an important group within the Institute’s Surface Engineering Division, and the activities of IVE will be further developed and supported within the Institute’s structure.

Barry Lye, IOM3 President, confirmed, ‘A merger with IVE provides an excellent development of the Institute’s Surface Engineering Division and importantly creates critical mass and linkage for IVE members to design specifiers. Such a merger can provide real benefit to members of both institutions and I believe that the IOM3 surface engineering activity can support an important and powerful national voice’.