Inside Warringtonfire’s $5.4 million plan to speed up UK fire testing approvals
Iain Hoey
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Warringtonfire expands Birchwood Park laboratory with new furnaces
Warringtonfire has reported that it is investing $5.4 million in its Birchwood Park facility in the United Kingdom to increase fire testing capacity.
The company said the funding will be used to install two new furnaces, bringing the total number at the site to seven.
According to Warringtonfire, the expansion aims to reduce delays in bringing safety-critical products to market.
The firm stated that the increased capacity will also assist manufacturers moving from BS 476 standards to EN 13501 standards.
This latest investment follows a $30 million outlay earlier in 2025 to construct what the company described as one of Europe’s largest fire resistance testing laboratories.
Increased capacity and compliance support
Warringtonfire said the additional furnaces will allow it to process more testing requests simultaneously.
The company noted that faster testing can help manufacturers meet regulatory deadlines.
It added that the capacity increase is intended to address demand from clients navigating changes in fire safety standards.
The firm explained that its facilities will be able to conduct testing programmes that previously required UK clients to send products abroad.
It stated that this will save manufacturers time and logistical costs.
Recruitment to support expansion
According to Warringtonfire, the expansion will be supported by the recruitment of around 25 additional staff before the end of 2025.
The company said the new roles will include Technical Officers, Technical Assistants, CAD specialists and business support positions.
It stated that each new recruit will undergo a 12-month training period.
Warringtonfire said the training reflects the complexity of the testing process and the importance of maintaining technical expertise.
The company added that the site currently employs around 200 fire safety specialists.
Industry benefits and reduced bottlenecks
Natasha Bambridge, Divisional Director at Element, said: “We’re proud to be investing in the future of fire resistance testing here at Warringtonfire. The new furnaces will enhance our ability to deliver fast and accurate test results that help keep people and buildings safe.
“With greater capacity, we can help customers bring essential products to market faster, allowing the industry to comply with ever-changing regulations at the necessary speed.”
Bambridge added: “This investment in new equipment represents our commitment to reducing bottlenecks across the industry and supporting manufacturers as regulations evolve.
“By expanding our capabilities, we’re helping clients achieve compliance faster and more efficiently.”
Installation and testing timeline
Warringtonfire has stated that installation of the new furnaces is scheduled to begin in Q3 2025.
The company said commercial testing with the new equipment is expected to start in Q4 2026.
It added that the phased approach allows time for recruitment, installation and calibration.
The firm explained that the scope of testing will be extended to cover a wider range of materials and products.
It stated that this aligns with industry needs and regulatory requirements.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This development is relevant to fire and safety professionals because it increases domestic UK fire testing capacity.
The additional furnaces could reduce waiting times for fire resistance testing.
It also supports manufacturers adapting to changes in UK and European fire safety standards.
The expansion may influence compliance planning and procurement strategies for construction projects.
Warringtonfire invests $5.4 million in UK fire testing capacity: Summary
Warringtonfire is investing $5.4 million in its Birchwood Park facility in the United Kingdom.
The investment will fund two new furnaces for fire testing.
This will bring the site’s total to seven furnaces.
The expansion follows a $30 million investment earlier in 2025.
The additional capacity will support the transition from BS 476 to EN 13501 standards.
The project includes the recruitment of around 25 staff before the end of 2025.
New roles include Technical Officers, Technical Assistants, CAD specialists and business support positions.
Each new staff member will complete 12 months of training.
Installation of the furnaces will begin in Q3 2025.
Commercial testing is scheduled to start in Q4 2026.
The expanded scope of testing will reduce the need for UK clients to send products abroad.
The company said the investment will help reduce industry bottlenecks.