MPM Partners with Ahbstra to Accelerate Production of Sustainable Water Generation System
A new collaboration between UK-based GRP manufacturer MPM Group and technology start-up Ahbstra is supporting the development of an innovative system designed to generate drinking water directly from the atmosphere.
Ahbstra’s technology, which has been in development for over six years, uses advanced atmospheric processes to produce up to 500 litres of potable water per day from a single unit. The solution is aimed at addressing growing global challenges around water scarcity, particularly in hot and arid environments where access to clean water is limited.
The system is being brought to market at a time of increasing environmental and economic pressure, with decentralised water generation seen as a potential alternative to traditional infrastructure.
Advanced Technology Designed for Independent Water Supply
Ahbstra’s system is based on technology linked to Nobel Prize-winning research, enabling the extraction and conversion of atmospheric moisture into drinkable water.
Designed for deployment in challenging climates, the units are engineered to operate independently of existing water networks — offering a scalable solution for remote locations, infrastructure-limited regions, and climate-affected areas.
Initial production is targeted for scale, with the business preparing for broader rollout as demand for sustainable water solutions continues to grow.
MPM Supports Design for Manufacture and Material Selection
MPM became involved in the project through a referral from a long-standing industry partner, Patterns and Moulds, reflecting established relationships within the UK composites sector.
Working collaboratively during the early stages of development, MPM supported Ahbstra in defining key aspects of the product’s manufacturability, including:
- Selection of Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) as the preferred manufacturing method to support scalability and commercial viability
- Material specification suitable for high-temperature and arid operating environments
- Development of adhesive solutions to enable the integration of complex internal bracketry
This early-stage input helped ensure the product was not only technically viable, but also optimised for efficient production.
Rapid Tooling and Production to Meet Development Timelines
Tooling for the project was delivered through a coordinated approach, with patterns produced by Patterns and Moulds in Melton Mowbray and moulds manufactured by MPM.
Following this, MPM completed an initial production run of GRP components within accelerated lead times, supporting Ahbstra’s development schedule.
Test trimming and fit-out processes were carried out to refine the components, ensuring they met the required specifications for integration into the prototype unit.
The completed parts have since been shipped to Spain, where they are being assembled as part of the working prototype system.
Collaboration Driving Innovation in the UK Composites Sector
The partnership highlights the role of UK manufacturing in supporting emerging technologies, particularly where advanced materials and specialist processes are required.
By combining early-stage design support with production capability, MPM has helped bridge the gap between concept and physical product — enabling Ahbstra to move more efficiently towards commercialisation.
Growing Demand for Sustainable Water Solutions
With global demand for clean water continuing to rise, technologies capable of generating independent supply are gaining increased attention.
Solutions such as atmospheric water generation are expected to play a growing role in:
- Climate resilience strategies
- Infrastructure development in remote regions
- Reducing reliance on traditional water distribution systems
As these technologies scale, partnerships between innovators and manufacturing specialists are likely to become increasingly important.
Looking Ahead
As Ahbstra progresses towards production, the collaboration demonstrates how early engagement with manufacturing partners can accelerate development timelines and improve product readiness.
For MPM, the project reflects its broader role within the composites sector — supporting customers not only in production, but in shaping how products are designed, developed, and brought to market.
