Anthony William Balkwill - 2010
Tony Balkwill is an Advanced Principal Systems Engineer with 3M, the global technology giant. Tony started work with 3M in 1980 and has held various engineering positions, becoming Principal Systems Engineer in 1995 and Advanced Principal Systems Engineer - his present role - in 2001.
His current projects involve designing, developing and implementing complex custom inspection systems. One of his recent projects was to design, develop and build an inspection system for adhesive tape during manufacture. This system, now installed in plants as far afield as the US and China, operates outside the visible range, using five cameras, seven quad processor computers, 25 microprocessors and highly specialised lenses. Tony heads a small team designing, developing and installing inspection systems such as this for 3M plants both in the UK and overseas.
His team includes a small number of contract and placement students and, for the last 14 years, Tony has taken on one or two Brunel students each year, giving them the opportunity to work with him at the cutting edge of systems development. As well as offering students placements with 3M, Tony has given up his time to come to Brunel to give inspirational talks to groups of students.
For the last five years he has supported the University further, being an active member of the School of Engineering and Design's Industry Advisory Panel.
Outside of work commitments, Tony is a keen canoeist, builds electronic gadgets and enjoys DIY.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the University, he is awarded the honorary degree of Master of the University.
