Warringtonire fire resistance testing lab set for January 2025 launch

Warringtonfire’s new fire resistance testing laboratory is set to open in January 2025 following the completion of construction at its 101,000 square foot facility at Birchwood Park, Warrington.

As reported by Warringtonfire, the project, which cost $30 million, was completed ahead of schedule, with the site handed over by Tilbury Douglas on 16 September 2024.

The laboratory will open its doors on 2 January 2025, offering advanced fire testing capabilities in a purpose-built facility.

In the final phase of preparation, Warringtonfire is focusing on obtaining UKAS validation and accreditation for its five furnaces and overall operations.

The accreditation process is expected to conclude by the end of November, ensuring the facility will be fully operational for fire testing when it opens.

Expansion creates new job opportunities and enhanced capabilities

As part of the new laboratory’s expansion, Warringtonfire has hired 50 new employees, including maintenance engineers and technical officers.

The maintenance engineers have formed a new team, comprising specialists from a range of disciplines.

This team will support smooth and reliable operations at the new facility.

The new laboratory will allow Warringtonfire to triple the fire resistance testing capacity of its existing Holmesfield Road site, meeting growing demand in the industry.

Warringtonfire’s fire resistance team will transition to the new Birchwood Park laboratory as they prepare for its launch.

Sustainable design and advanced technologies implemented

Sustainability has been a key focus for the new facility, which has incorporated energy-efficient systems and advanced smoke abatement technologies.

These measures contributed to the laboratory receiving a Bronze Award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, scoring 45 out of 45.

Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones, Senior Project Manager for Warringtonfire, said: “Our new laboratory is poised to address this growing demand by tripling the capacity of our current Holmesfield Road site.

“Furthermore, we have future-proofed our operations with a range of sustainable solutions designed to minimise environmental impact while delivering safety critical services.”

The lab features smoke cleaning systems that ensure minimal environmental impact, and it is ready to transition to using clean hydrogen when local infrastructure permits.

Client confidentiality prioritised with state-of-the-art design

The Birchwood Park facility has been designed with client confidentiality in mind.

The laboratory includes custom-built module spray booths with temperature control, as well as test preparation areas that safeguard intellectual property.

Viewing areas have been created to ensure client privacy during testing.

In anticipation of its opening, Warringtonfire is trialling additional confidentiality measures to further enhance protection.

Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones added: “We want both our clients and colleagues to feel truly at home in our facility.

“It was important for us that the laboratory serves not only as a testing site but also a versatile environment where meetings can be conducted, and where our team can excel.”

Warringtonfire completes $30 million fire resistance testing lab at Birchwood Park: Summary

Warringtonfire has completed the construction of its new fire resistance testing laboratory at Birchwood Park, Warrington.

The $30 million, 101,000 square foot facility will open in January 2025, following UKAS accreditation.

The new laboratory will triple the company’s testing capacity and has already created 50 new jobs.

Designed with sustainability and client confidentiality in mind, the lab features advanced smoke abatement systems and temperature-controlled testing environments.

The site will also support future hydrogen energy use when the infrastructure becomes available.

Warringtonfire aims to address increasing demand for fire resistance testing while minimising environmental impact through these innovations.