A fire security testing and certification provider is making significant strides at its new £24 million facility in Warrington, poised to generate 50 employment opportunities upon its inauguration next year. Warringtonfire is currently erecting a new 101,000 square foot laboratory at Birchwood Technology Park, with progress now reaching the 'third fix' stage. Four out of a planned seven state-of-the-art fire resistance testing furnaces have been installed, signifying substantial advancement towards completion and commissioning.
As part of the global Element Materials Technology group, Warringtonfire specializes in the fire resistance testing of critical fire safety products and systems, such as fire doorsets and intumescent coatings for steel protection. Ten months into the anticipated 17-month construction program, four furnaces have been fitted and are poised to enter the commissioning phase shortly. These furnaces will be complemented by advanced technology to meticulously manage air quality throughout and after the testing procedures. This entails the implementation of new air handling systems, high-performance ventilation systems, as well as cold and hot smoke extraction systems to ensure compliance with stringent environmental regulations and foster a conducive working environment for staff.
To support these endeavors, specialists from Element conducted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), encompassing acoustics and noise modeling, air quality dispersion modeling, and emissions monitoring. Upon the laboratory's scheduled opening in January 2025, two vertical furnaces, two horizontal furnaces, and one indicative furnace will be operational. An additional two furnaces, one horizontal and one vertical, are slated for installation by the end of 2026, collectively representing an 80% increase in testing capacity over Warringtonfire's current site.
Following the inauguration of the Birchwood Park laboratory, the existing facility will transition into a center of excellence for reaction to fire testing, focusing on smaller scale tests including spread of flame and heat release. Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones, Project Manager for Element Materials Technology, expressed satisfaction with the project's progress, highlighting being ahead of schedule with the furnaces and the ongoing outfitting of office areas, control rooms, and test bay preparation areas.
The commitment to sustainability is evident in Warringtonfire's efforts to reduce the laboratory's carbon footprint. This includes the incorporation of energy-efficient fans, upgraded power supply transformers, and electric vehicle infrastructure comprising a fleet of EV forklifts and charging points. The laboratory is also primed to embrace a blend of clean hydrogen and natural gas once local infrastructure permits.
Leigh Hill, Director of Built Environment Europe, emphasized the facility's status as the largest state-of-the-art fire testing and certification facility worldwide, underscored by its commitment to environmental stewardship through substantial investments in cutting-edge building service equipment. These investments ensure not only industry leadership but also sustainable operation for years to come.
