Warringtonfire has officially opened its state-of-the-art fire resistance testing laboratory at Birchwood Park, Warrington. The £24m facility became operational on 2 January 2025.
The new lab, spanning 101,000 square feet, is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. It currently houses five furnaces, with plans to install two additional furnaces – one vertical and one horizontal – by the end of 2026. This expansion will effectively triple the facility’s testing capacity, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of various products including fire doorsets, intumescent coatings, and glazing systems.
Warringtonfire has scheduled a grand opening event for 31 January 2025, which will welcome 120 delegates from the fire safety and construction sectors. The event will feature:
- A keynote address by Paul Morrell OBE, former chief construction adviser to the UK Government
- Input from Jo Wetz, CEO of Element Materials Technology (Warringtonfire’s parent company)
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony
- A guided tour of the new laboratory
The construction of the laboratory, which began in July 2023 under the leadership of Tilbury Douglas, has already made a positive impact on the local economy and environment. Fifty new roles have been created, including positions for maintenance engineers and technical assistants. Additionally, the project’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Scheme Bronze Award.
For more information visit www.warringtonfire.com
