RPL Engineer Turns Workplace Innovation into Double University Award Success

Telford, UK, 31 July 2026 — Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) is celebrating the outstanding academic success of Marc Green, Engineer (Toner Engineering), who has completed his BEng Mechanical Engineering degree with First-Class Honours and received two prestigious awards from the University of Wolverhampton.

From a cohort of 57 students, Marc was awarded the FBC Manby Bowdler Prize for achieving the highest grade point average (GPA) in Mechanical Engineering, attaining an impressive 86% average, as well as the Lenovo Prize for achieving the highest mark in his final year project.

Achieving a First-Class degree is a significant accomplishment in itself but receiving two university awards places Marc amongst the highest-performing Engineering students at the university.

From Opportunity to Achievement

Marc's degree journey began after completing an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering while working within RPL's Engineering department. Encouraged to continue his studies, he chose to take on the challenge of degree-level education alongside his full-time role.

Said Marc: “I had never considered pursuing a degree before. It would be a significant undertaking, but if I had been given the opportunity and not taken it, I know I would have regretted it.”

Completing the degree over four years required dedication and careful time management, with much of his free time devoted to coursework, assignments and exam preparation.

He added: “The biggest challenge was finding the time to balance study with everyday life. During term time, evenings and weekends were largely dedicated to coursework, assignments and exam preparation.”

Delivering Real Business Impact

Marc's award-winning final year dissertation was directly linked to his work at RPL.

Titled Investigation and Developmental Improvement of a Toner Cartridge ID Tag Chip Writing/Reading System, the project focused on improving the performance of an ID Tag station used within RPL's toner cartridge filling lines.

By identifying and implementing mechanical, electrical and data-transfer improvements, the project helped increase the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of the station, delivering practical benefits to the manufacturing operation whilst forming the basis of his prize-winning submission.

Recognition for Hard Work and Commitment

Reflecting on his achievement, Marc described a sense of ‘immense pride’ after years of balancing work, study and family commitments.

“To finally achieve the result you have worked really hard for is a feeling of immense pride and excitement. To also receive two university awards gave validation to the hard work, amount of time and dedication put into preparing and studying.”

He credits the support of his colleagues, manager, university tutors and family as being instrumental in helping him succeed.

Continuous Learning in Action

Marc's achievement reflects RPL's commitment to developing its people and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Claire Shepherd, Learning & Development Officer, said: “Both these awards are significant academic achievements within the Mechanical Engineering programme at the University of Wolverhampton, recognising outstanding achievement, technical ability and professional potential. The fact Marc achieved both awards is a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to his hard work and dedication to his studies whilst balancing his day-to-day role.

“Marc's success demonstrates the value of continuous learning and reflects RPL's commitment to supporting employee development. By investing in our people, we can help individuals achieve exceptional results whilst strengthening the expertise and capability of our organisation.”