Warringtonfire launches Birchwood Park fire testing lab

Warringtonfire unveils advanced testing facility

Warringtonfire has officially opened its new $30 million (£24 million) fire resistance testing laboratory at Birchwood Park, Warrington.

According to Warringtonfire, the 101,000 sqft laboratory is one of the largest in Europe and was completed on 2 January 2025.

A grand opening event, scheduled for 31 January 2025, will host 120 delegates, including fire safety and construction professionals.

The event will feature a keynote address by Paul Morrell OBE, Former Chief Construction Adviser to the UK Government.

Attendees will also hear from Jo Wetz, CEO of Element Materials Technology, Warringtonfire’s parent company.

The opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a guided tour of the new laboratory.

The Birchwood Park site currently houses five furnaces.

Two additional furnaces, one vertical and one horizontal, are set to be installed by the end of 2026, which will triple testing capacity.

The facility can test a variety of products, including fire doorsets, intumescent coatings, and glazing systems.

The laboratory’s construction, led by Tilbury Douglas, began in July 2023.

Fifty new roles have been created, including maintenance engineers and technical assistants.

The project earned a Considerate Constructors Scheme Bronze Award for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Warringtonfire has opened a $30 million (£24 million) fire resistance testing laboratory at Birchwood Park, Warrington.

This 101,000 sqft facility, operational since 2 January 2025, is among the largest in Europe.

A grand opening event will be held on 31 January 2025, featuring keynote speaker Paul Morrell OBE.

Currently equipped with five furnaces, two more will be added by 2026 to increase testing capacity.

Products tested include fire doorsets and passive fire protection systems.

Fifty new jobs have been created, and the project has been recognised for its sustainability efforts.