New Warringtonfire laboratory previewed ahead of January 2025 launch

Warringtonfire, part of Element Materials Technology, recently hosted exclusive open days to provide customers with an early look at its new fire resistance testing facility in Birchwood Park, Warrington.

The $30 million facility, covering 101,000 square feet, will officially open on 2 January 2025.

According to Warringtonfire, construction has been completed, and the site was handed over by contractors.

Over 100 fire safety professionals attended the open days held on 12 and 13 November to tour the site and explore its state-of-the-art capabilities.

Visitors participated in guided tours, presentations, and networking sessions with Warringtonfire’s technical experts.

The event showcased the laboratory’s advanced equipment and client-focused amenities, which include testing furnaces, dedicated welfare facilities, and spaces designed to protect intellectual property.

Presentation highlights changing fire safety regulations

During the open days, Peter Barker, Technical Policy Manager at Warringtonfire, delivered a presentation titled “Construction Products and the Changing Regulatory Landscape.”

Attendees learned how emerging legislation is influencing the regulatory requirements for construction products, particularly within the testing, inspection, and certification sectors.

This insight was complemented by discussions about how Warringtonfire’s new facility will adapt to meet these evolving industry needs.

Leigh Hill, Director of Element’s Built Environment Europe division, noted: “The Customer Open Days have been a fantastic success.

“It was a great opportunity for our customers to meet the team and learn more about our operations.”

Expanded capabilities and enhanced confidentiality measures

The new laboratory has been designed to streamline operations, housing testing, technical, and certification teams under one roof.

This integrated setup enables simultaneous testing across its five furnaces and offers enhanced confidentiality measures, including temperature-controlled spray booths and steel screens for test preparation bays.

Hill emphasised the facility’s client-focused design, adding: “We are in the process of trialling additional confidentiality measures to further safeguard sensitive information.”

The site also features extensive client amenities, including viewing areas, meeting rooms, and conference facilities, along with 175 parking bays and electric vehicle charging stations.

Positive feedback from attendees

Visitors praised the new facility, with Shaun Davidson, Director at SGD Fire Protection Ltd, stating: “We’re incredibly lucky to have such a world-class facility right here in the North West!”

Tom Owen, Technical Engineer at Etex, was similarly impressed, remarking: “The sheer scale of the site was impressive, and the layout was very intuitive.”

The laboratory is undergoing final steps to achieve UKAS accreditation for its operations, which is expected by the end of November.

Warringtonfire has also expanded its workforce, filling 50 new roles to support the facility’s operations.

Warringtonfire unveils fire resistance testing laboratory in Birchwood Park: Summary

Warringtonfire has showcased its new $30 million fire resistance testing facility in Birchwood Park, Warrington, ahead of its official opening on 2 January 2025.

Over 100 attendees previewed the 101,000-square-foot site during open days on 12 and 13 November, which included tours, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Peter Barker of Warringtonfire outlined regulatory changes affecting construction product testing.

The facility features cutting-edge testing equipment, confidentiality-focused design elements, and enhanced client welfare amenities.

Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the site’s scale and efficiency.

Warringtonfire plans to complete UKAS accreditation for its five furnaces by the end of November and has created 50 new jobs as part of the expansion.