UKTC Breaks Ground on Major Expansion, Set to Add 20 Jobs and Double Existing Capacity

# UKTC Expands Fire Testing Facility: A New Era in Fire Safety Testing

## Major Expansion at UKTC's East Kilbride Facility

Fire testing specialist, United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), has broken ground on a multi-million-pound expansion at its East Kilbride testing facility. Acquired by leaders in testing, inspection, and certification services, SOCOTEC UK and Ireland in July 2025, the total cost of UKTC’s expansion is £2.5 million. This development is set to double the fire resistance testing capabilities and add around 20 new jobs, bringing the firm’s number of employees to over 60.

The new development consists of a building measuring over 7,000 square feet. It will house a new furnace capable of testing horizontal structures that measure 3 metres wide by 4 metres long, and vertical structures up to 5 metres high.

Milestone Site Visit

A site visit in November by SOCOTEC CEO Hervé Montjotin, SOCOTEC UK & Ireland CEO Matthew Marriott, and SOCOTEC’s Managing Director of Environmental Science, Jim Clay, marked a significant milestone in the construction, with steel works beginning. The 10m eaves height enables testing of vertical structures up to 5 metres tall using the proprietary furnace add-on. This makes the facility the first of its kind to be commercially available in the UK.

Trusted Provider of Fire Testing Services

UKTC has established itself as a trusted provider of fire resistance testing, reaction to fire testing, and certification services across multiple building materials and systems. The laboratory’s UKAS-accredited facilities enable a comprehensive assessment of products and materials against British, European, and international standards. This supports manufacturers, specifiers, and building owners in meeting increasingly stringent fire regulations.

Revitalizing a Historic Site

UKTC’s East Kilbride site was formerly a Rolls-Royce Aero Testbed facility until 2017 when the historic plant was shut down. After moving into the site in 2020, UKTC revitalised the area. They invested substantial funds to make the facility compliant with regulatory legislation and suitable for the specialist equipment required to carry out fire testing.

Meeting Growing Demand

Andrew Hutchison, Operations Director at UKTC, stated: “The need to expand and invest in a new test hall was simply to meet the growing demand we are experiencing from the construction industry for fire testing, from both existing and new customers. The planned extension will be completed in 2026 and will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace. Ultimately, upgrading our facilities will allow us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing for our clients across the UK and Europe.”

Exciting Future Ahead

Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, remarked: “The extension of UKTC’s existing facility is incredibly exciting for us. The team in East Kilbride is vastly knowledgeable and talented. Expanding the facilities to meet the increased demand for fire testing services at the site was the logical next step forward to help the continued growth of UKTC and provide the best service possible to its customers across the UK and Europe.”

“We look forward to the continued integration of UKTC into the wider SOCOTEC UK and Ireland operations, as there has already been so much interest in the expanded capabilities we can now provide following the acquisition’s completion in July.”

Conclusion: A Commitment to Safety and Quality

The expansion of UKTC's facility is a significant step towards enhancing fire safety testing in the UK. With the new furnace and increased capacity, UKTC is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the construction industry. This commitment to quality and safety will benefit not only their clients but also the wider community. As fire regulations become more stringent, the role of testing facilities like UKTC will be crucial in ensuring compliance and safety in building practices.

By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and skilled personnel, UKTC is setting a new standard in fire testing services. This expansion is not just about growth; it's about enhancing safety standards across the industry. The future looks bright for UKTC and the communities they serve.

For more information on UKTC's services, visit UKTC.