Element Materials Technology (Element) has marked the first anniversary of its site in Wednesbury, in the West Midlands, with what it calls significant investments to improve technical capabilities and increase capacity.
The 50,000 square foot laboratory, opened in June 2017, has since increased capacity for door and window security testing, and sliding door, door closer, and floor spring durability testing. Other environmental chambers, a new tensile testing machine, and a further UV chamber have also enhanced turnaround time and increased the volume of testing, the firm adds. The site offers testing to UK-based and international customers in the automotive, door, window, and hardware industries. The site can now also conduct letter plate durability testing, finger protection device testing to BS8613, photogrammetry, and temporary freestanding fencing testing to BS1722-18.
The laboratory has invested in a new scissor lift, a Winlet glazing robot, and an industrial pressure washer.
Rob Veitch, EVP of Fire and Building Products at Element, said: “We have had a strong year since opening the Wednesbury laboratory that has seen an ongoing program of investment enable us to continue providing increased levels of support to our growing number of customers in the automotive and building products industries. The investments we’ve made at the site form a core part of our commitment to continually improve standards and the level of technical service we offer. This ensures that our highly-skilled experts can play a key role in our customers’ product development process, and improve their speed to market.”
The laboratory conducts testing for products used in the built environment, including security, durability and weather testing of doors, windows and hardware. The laboratory also tests components and full vehicles for corrosion, UV weathering, environmental ageing, flammability, vibration and emissions.
The site employs 34 people, and offers testing to British, European, international and OEM standards.
