About BMT

We believe the answer is in reach.

From critical thinking to high-intensity R&D to prove the value of new technologies, we help our clients reduce the environmental impact of packaging.

About the team

Passionate about data driven simulation

Yannis Salomeia, PhD | Co Founder

Headshot of the founder of Blow Moulding Technologies

Chief Executive Officer

Yannis is leading the team through the implementation of BMT’s purpose and vision and this has meant a significant increase in partnerships that focus on sustainable solutions for the packaging industry. He is currently focused on BMT’s future innovations that will make a significant global impact at production level.

  • Yannis co-ordinates and brings synergy across the teams, evolving BMT’s technical approach to new products and solutions.

    Yannis holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, a Masters in material science from Bucharest Polytechnic University and a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast, which was funded as part of a European-wide EU FP6, cross industry consortium project. During his PhD, Yannis developed internationally patented instruments and established methodologies to support major advancements in FEA simulations of PET bottle manufacturing, that led to the formation and growth of BMT.

Professor Gary Menary | Co Founder

Chief Technical Officer

With a commitment to excellence, Professor Menary's leadership drives the company toward greater heights in the application of technology and sustainable solutions. In his capacity as CTO, he collaborates closely with the research, simulation, and innovation teams to elevate the quality and scope of BMT products and services. 

  • Working across academic and commercial territories, he spearheads the development of global strategies while fostering partnerships with clients.

    Gary's pioneering work in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations, supported by over 100 publications, has been instrumental in the growth and success of BMT. His vision continues to shape the direction of BMT within the changing landscape of the industry.

Material Characterisation

Josh Turner, PhD
Head of Material Characterisation

Josh is an experienced cross discipline engineer leading the wider characterisation team and overseeing client projects involved in the fast tracking of new materials and improving efficiencies in the forming process.

  • He has a deep understanding of constitutive modelling and the mechanical properties and forming behaviour of both traditional and novel materials. By fostering a collaborative work environment across all departments, he plays a pivotal role in accelerating BMT's innovation in the packaging industry.

    Josh holds a Masters in Aerospace Engineering and a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, his doctoral research has equipped him with invaluable knowledge in the field of material science.

Katie Harte, PhD
Senior Material Characterisation Engineer

Katie is part of the characterisation team working with new and recycled polymers for use in the blow moulding process.

  • Before joining BMT, she worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Queen’s University Belfast, investigating new polymers for packaging applications.

    Katie completed an undergraduate degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. She worked in fire engineering before moving to Queen’s University Belfast to complete a MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, followed by a PhD which studied the mechanical properties of ovine pelvic floor tissue investigating childbirth related injury.

Simulation

Ross Blair, PhD
Head of Simulation

Leading the simulation team, Ross is a specialist in finite element analysis, computer-aided design, machine learning, computer programming and constitutive modelling.

  • He guides commercial clients through complex development projects applying simulation strategies and virtual prototyping to drive efficient product development and deliver robust and environmentally responsible solutions.

    Ross Blair has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, which focused on optimising the design and manufacture of bioresorbable polymeric stents.

Alexander McKee
CAE Graduate Engineer

Alexander is part of the simulation team, focusing on machine learning, finite element analysis (FEA), and client engagement to support project delivery.

  • Holding a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen's University Belfast, he has received several prestigious awards, including the FV Warnock Prize, the Sara Grace and Albert Edward Bell Prize, and the Sir Bernard Crossland Prize for the highest average weighted mark in his master’s degree.

Reece Armstrong
CAE Graduate Engineer

Reece contributes to the simulation team by focusing on client-facing projects and the development of applications that streamline and enhance operational processes.

  • He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, where his research focused on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations, specifically analysing the performance of bolts and gaskets in flanged connections under elevated temperature conditions.

Christopher Hale
CAE Engineer Student Intern

Christopher is our placement student within the simulation team, focusing on app development and streamlining data analysis through machine learning and optimisation methods

  • Pursuing a master's degree in Product Design Engineering at Queen's University Belfast, his achievements already include an IMechE Best Student Certificate in this discipline. Within the university, he jointly conducted research into peer learning which, when combined with his volunteering as a Peer-Assisted Learning mentor, led to him achieving his AFHEA (Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy).

Hardware Innovation

James Nixon, PhD
Head of Hardware Innovation

James manages the hardware team, oversees material testing lab equipment and liaises with clients on all hardware related items.

  • Connecting the virtual to physical, James leads the development of a suite of cutting-edge hardware products.Integrating in-house research and bespoke data he ensures the design and build is uniquely tailored to client requirements.

    James obtained a master’s degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, which focused on analysing the stretch blow moulding process and subsequent simulation development using innovative techniques.

James Brownlee
Product Engineer

James is a mechanical engineer specialising in critical thinking and computer-aided design within BMT's product engineering team.

  • James holds a bachelor's degree from Queen's University Belfast, where he focused on mechatronics and bottle thickness profiling, investigating the ability to integrate technology and ensure product quality.

Johnny Stewart
Senior Technician

Johnny brings 30 years of invaluable experience in the automated machinery industry specialising in the design, manufacture and testing of electrical control systems, mechanical assembly, installation, commissioning & servicing.

  • At the core of the hardware team, he is involved in all aspects of manufacturing BMT commercial products as well as overseeing and maintaining the workshop and lab facilities.

    His experience and career includes local engineering companies and the position of Chief Technician for the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (SMAE) at Queens University Belfast. Working within the Automation Division, his team of engineering staff designed and manufactured automated machinery and equipment for manufacturing companies.

Cathaír O’Doherty
Design and Test Graduate Engineer

Cathaír specialises in mechanical design and computer-aided design as part of BMT's hardware team. As a mechanical engineer, he designs and tests hardware solutions to ensure they meet high-performance standards, contributing to the reliability of BMT’s products.

  • Cathaír holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen's University Belfast, where his final project involved designing a steering system for a Formula Student car, showcasing his ability to address complex mechanical challenges.

R&D

Shiyong Yan, PhD
Head of Research and Development

With over 5 years’ experience in delivering high net worth projects, Shiyong currently leads the R&D team, providing high level insight that informs and steers the development flow.

  • ‘If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it’ - Shiyong and his team believe that being able to measure critical data is crucial to meet customer’s requirements. He’s been involved in multiple developments in sensory technologies, hardware and simulation, providing state-of-the-art devices and innovative software to accelerate both client and internal workflows.

    Shiyong conducted his PhD and Postdoctoral research in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at Queen’s University, Belfast. His work centred around developing and integrating innovative methodologies to advance the SBM process with particular emphasis on developing a constitutive model of PET and a characterisation methodology of preforms in the SBM process.

Dimitrios Papadimitrakis, PhD 
Senior R&D Engineer (CAE)

Dimitrios specialises in the research and development of novel algorithms for simulation and parametric optimisation based on surrogate models.

  • Collaborative process improvement and simulation accuracy ensure optimal virtual development and resource efficiency for the client.

    Dimitrios Papadimitrakis holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from National Technical University of Athens and a PhD from Queen's University Belfast which focused on innovative methods for automatic hexahedral mesh generation for 3D simulation.

Dennise Tohpati
R&D Engineer

Dennise specialises in software development, with a particular emphasis on control software, artificial intelligence, and mechatronics.

  • A key contributor to product development, he communicates across the hardware, software and simulation teams to optimise development.

    Dennise has a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Queen's University Belfast. His commitment to academic excellence led to the prestigious recognition of the Royal Aeronautical Society Prize (BEng) in 2021, as well as the Foundation Scholarship for Aerospace Engineering in the same year.

Jordan Barr PhD
R&D Engineer KTP Associate

Jordan is currently partnered as a KTP Associate [Knowledge Transfer Partnership] with BMT and Queen’s University Belfast.

  • Jordan specialises in material production, characterisation and chemometric modelling of recycled PET materials.

    Jordan holds a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast which focused on the experimental design and testing of Polymer Cardiovascular Stents.

Liam McGovern researcher BMT headshot

Liam McGovern 
Researcher

Liam is carrying out a PhD project at Queen's University Belfast in collaboration with BMT.

  • Liam has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, where he achieved the Sir James Martin Scholarship and the Dunwoody Scholarship. He is continuing his research with Queen’s University Belfast through a PhD project focused on optimising the Stretch Blow Moulding (SBM) process to enhance performance metrics of bottles.

Oisin Doherty
R&D Engineer Student Intern

Oisin is our placement student within the R&D team. He is main focus is on software development within projects, assisting with the database, as well as utilising LabView for linking front end or back end.

Strategic Partnerships and Innovation

David McKelvey, PhD
Head of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation

As the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at BMT, David collaborates with clients to drive the company's growth and scaling strategy.

  • David’s role blends technical expertise, strategic vision and business development with innovative thinking to create impactful solutions and strengthen industrial partnerships.

    A strategic thinker, David is committed to identifying new opportunities and fostering innovation. His experience includes leading cross-functional teams and initiating change in dynamic environments, all fuelled by a passion for sustainable growth.

Jude Cameron, PhD
Project Lead

As Project Lead, Jude is driving high-impact initiatives that support growth, collaboration and innovation at BMT.

  • Jude works directly with clients to understand their specific business challenges and technical needs, developing and communicating targeted solutions that drive project success and client satisfaction.

    Jude’s PhD research on polymer nanocomposites at Queen’s University Belfast aimed to optimise the performance of PLA-based bio-resorbable cardiovascular stents in a clinical setting. By gaining an in-depth understanding of the material's behaviour during processing, conditions can be manipulated to achieve enhanced mechanical properties.

Business Support

Monica Salomeia
Administrative Manager

Monica is managing daily office accounting and administrative systems ensuring BMT operate in a productive and efficient work environment and plays an integral role in supporting the senior leadership team in driving the company’s strategy.

  • Before joining BMT, Lorraine worked in Education as a Teacher. She holds a Masters degree in Educational Studies from Queens. This has enhanced her knowledge, skills and understanding of critical thinking, problem solving, communication and organisation.

Lorraine Stewart
Administrative Assistant

Lorraine is supporting daily accounting and administrative systems and fosters an efficient and productive environment for the wider team.

  • Monica brings over 18 years of professional experience in business administration, supporting high level senior managers within the public and private sectors.

    She is a passionate advocate for employee wellbeing initiatives, striving to cultivate a positive and inclusive workplace culture.