EAST Kilbride-based United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) has received a grant award of £835,000 from Scottish Enterprise towards an expansion project totalling £2.5 million.
The firm provides certifications and a test lab service to passive fire protection product manufacturers in the construction industry, with rigorous analysis of building materials such as doors, wall panels, and building membranes to determine and certify their suitability for use in different applications.
The £2.5 million investment in its East Kilbride site will see it expanded and the introduction of a new furnace capable of testing structures up to 5m high. The investment will create around 20 new jobs, taking the UKTC team to 38 employees. It will also boost its energy efficiency and bring services in-house that are currently sub-contracted to a European supplier.
Andrew Hutchison, head of technical at UKTC, said, “The construction industry is facing growing demand for fire testing, which is why we are investing in a new test hall to expand our services for both existing and new customers, while also creating new jobs as we grow.
“The safety of materials used in homes and buildings is critical, and at UKTC, we remain committed to the protection of lives and assets.
“Our planned extension, set to be completed next year, will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace. This would not have been possible without the support from Scottish Enterprise. Upgrading our facilities will enable us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing in the UK.”
Rhona Allison, MD of productivity and business growth at Scottish Enterprise, said, “UKTC’s expansion highlights what’s possible when a company commits to growth and innovation. We know that those businesses that focus on investing and expanding through either new equipment or premises by creating room for further growth in turn create higher value jobs, improve sustainability and profitability in the process.
“This investment helps increase UKTC’s productivity and brings benefits to the construction sector supply chain as well as supporting a safer built environment. The project also highlights how Scottish Enterprise can work with businesses to boost productivity and the economy.”
