Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 14 THE door industry journal spring 2024 Industry News UL Solutions Telford Centre Helps Reduce Time to Market Testing construction products in the United Kingdom (U.K.) has proved challenging for many years. The introduction of the U.K. Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking, the uncertainty that came with it and an evolving regulatory landscape alongside routine testing needs have caused an influx in demand that saw some manufacturers waiting months to get a testing slot. UL Solutions opened its newest testing laboratory at its Telford centre in the U.K. to provide a single location for door, window, hardware and building envelope system manufacturers and to help relieve the backlog. U.K. Accreditation Service (UKAS)-accredited test and third-party certification facilities provide mechanical testing and certification for physical security, durability and performance of doors, windows and hardware. Furnished with state-of-the-art testing equipment, the Telford facility can accommodate a variety of window and door configurations, testing to a range of industryrecognised standards, including PAS 24: 2022 and the BS 6375 series. In some cases, the experts at the Telford laboratory can do single tests for PAS 24, enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the U.K., and BS 6375 Part 1, Performance of Windows and Doors – Classification for Weathertightness and Guidance on Selection and Specification, in as little as two weeks. The resulting reports are also available within two weeks of testing. Secured by Design For manufacturers wanting to enter the U.K. market, verifying performance through independent assessment proves that both products and procedures meet accepted performance standards. Accreditation looks beyond just the products for the police-backed Secured by Design (SBD) scheme. This is where the vital third-party certification element comes into the equation. UL Solutions’ approach to PAS 24, which can help demonstrate that a product meets SBD requirements and the relevant fit-for-purpose standards, is not just about mechanical and manual checks on the product; it also involves scrutinising the factory and manufacturing processes. If the product meets requirements, UL Solutions will issue a certificate allowing the manufacturer to promote the product as certified to PAS 24. The product then undergoes annual audits thereafter to confirm that it meets the requirements and to demonstrate that its compliance was not incidental. Trusted partner Manufacturers working with UL Solutions can access safety science expertise with global safety and testing knowledge. UL Solutions serves as a trusted partner to global businesses, helping them demonstrate compliance in the U.K. market. For example, Schüco UK, a global manufacturer of aluminium and steel window, door and façade systems, has been utilising the facilities at Telford as part of its ongoing testing procedures. “At Schüco UK, we take huge pride in the testing and certification of our products that support our partners and end users,” said Paul Feldwick, product manager for steel systems, fire and security, testing and certification at Schüco UK. “Given the size of our product portfolio and the rapidly changing marketplace we operate in, the positive ‘can do’ attitude, coupled with their commitment to quality, were key for us in selecting UL Solutions as our testing provider,” Feldwick continued. For more information or to book a test, contact the UL Solutions team at Telford: * Steve Bramhill (steve.bramhill@UL.com, 07985 302272) * Callum Richards (callum.richards@UL.com, 07789 498 224) For additional information about UL Solutions services in the U.K., please visit uk.UL.com . Mike Wass, business manager with the Built Environment group at UL Solutions, explains how the Telford testing facility can help door and window manufacturers get products tested and certified in as little as four weeks.
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