Major investment in materials testing in the West Midlands

In response to increasing demand within the global materials testing industry, hardness testing machine specialist, Zwick Roell Indentec, has opened a state-of-the art UK manufacturing facility in the West Midlands.

The new plant in Brierley Hill, which currently covers an area of 1350 sq. m, accommodates a modern design and production facility, research and development centre and a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory.

Indentec’s Managing Director, John Piller, said: “Our machines are used by leading technology companies to maintain product quality and customers include Rolls-Royce, Aero Engine Controls and BMW. Our German parent company has invested over £1.4 million in this new facility which will enable us to significantly increase production and potentially create a number of extra, highly skilled, jobs.”

The company says a new, fully equipped Zwick Roell demonstration laboratory and customer training suite will enable it hold technical consultations with customers and product specialists, as well as offering equipment demonstrations.

Dr Jan Stefan Roell, CEO of the Zwick Roell Group, said: “I am delighted to have an opportunity to recognise the major step forward which has been achieved by Indentec in their move to their new premises. It provides scope for increasing output over threefold and will be the centre of excellence for the Zwick Roell hardness testing division.”

In response, the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Finch, said: “This is a large investment in a highly successful local business. People are often surprised that our local economy hosts manufacturing firms with an excellent global reputation, but it does and I’m proud that we have such diversity and skills locally.”