On 22 October 2024, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, visited Tenmat’s headquarters in Irlam to officially open the company’s newly established F-Lab Fire Test Centre and Training Academy. The facility represents a significant step forward in fire protection technology and training within the construction sector, with potential benefits extending across Greater Manchester and the UK.
A Dual-Purpose Facility
The F-Lab is divided into two main areas: a Fire Testing Laboratory and a Training Academy. The laboratory is equipped with a calibrated furnace capable of reaching temperatures exceeding 1,200°C to replicate real fire conditions. This enables Tenmat to rigorously test products such as cavity fire barriers and service penetration solutions, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
The Training Academy provides education on the correct installation of fire protection systems. Targeted at professionals such as installers and architects, the programme aims to improve safety standards from the design phase through to construction.
A Boost for the Local Community
During his visit, Andy Burnham highlighted the importance of Tenmat’s investment in the region, noting both its economic and social benefits.
“Visiting Tenmat’s facility and new labs today, it’s clear that this is a long-term investment which will only be good for Irlam and Greater Manchester as a whole,” said the Mayor. “There’s not only the economic benefit that the investment brings, but a huge social benefit here as well. It’s fantastic that some of these materials will be used in the construction of homes in Salford, improving their safety. The more we can encourage the uptake of this material, the more we can help prevent fires here and across the UK.”
Addressing Safety in Construction
The launch of the F-Lab comes at a time when fire safety remains a pressing concern in the construction industry. Tenmat’s leadership emphasised their commitment to driving improvements in the sector.
Dr Kapil Chopra, Tenmat’s CEO, described the new facility as a milestone for the company. “We are very proud to be involved in making buildings throughout Greater Manchester and the UK safer; this new lab will enable us to do that on an even greater scale.”
Ed Peltor, Fire Protection Managing Director, highlighted the ongoing need to address fire safety issues in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. “The work Tenmat can carry out in their testing and training facility means they continue to develop the best solutions… Seven years on from Grenfell, there are still over 2,500 buildings identified as needing replacement cladding systems. Tenmat is committed to helping accelerate this process and ensure standards are raised across the industry.”
A Legacy of Safety and Innovation
Tenmat, which has operated in the Greater Manchester area for over a century, moved its headquarters from Trafford Park to Irlam in 2023. The company employs over 200 people locally and plays a prominent role in the global passive fire protection industry.
This latest investment reflects Tenmat’s ongoing commitment to fire safety, the community, and local job creation. Their products, trusted by housebuilders, are designed to prevent the spread of fire and save lives in residential and commercial properties.
The F-Lab underscores Greater Manchester’s growing role in fostering innovation and safety in construction, and with local support, Tenmat is poised to contribute significantly to these efforts on a national scale.
To learn more about Tenmat, and their passive fire protection solutions, please visit their website. https://www.tenmat.com/passive-fire-protection
