ERA Technology Ltd has sold its water and gas pipes testing business to Building Investigation and Testing Services (¨B.I.T.S¨)

Originally part of Yarsley, the plastic pipe testing business was purchased from SGS by ERA in 1994 and formed part of ERA’s materials testing operations. The new owner of the business is ¨B.I.T.S¨, based in Surrey and itself formerly of Yarsley.

The business has provided testing services to UK and overseas manufacturers and accreditation bodies; undertaking conformance and performance testing of plastic pipes and fittings, used primarily in the water, gas and construction industry. The work performed is accredited by UKAS. The range of testing facilities has been expanded by ERA and the capability extended to include thermal cyclic fatigue testing, which is used to test pipework and fittings for domestic and commercial central heating systems.

ERA is retaining its testing services business for underground petrol station pipes, which are tested to Institute of Petroleum standards. This business also includes surveillance testing under the ERA Fuelstar scheme.

Fred Cahill, Managing Director of ERA Technology Ltd stated: “A forward thinking organization such as ERA needs to refocus periodically. Whilst the plastic pipes business is very successful and profitable it no longer fits comfortably with our re-focused aim of providing solutions to specialist technical problems. So we decided it would be in the best interests of both our clients and the staff concerned if the business could be transferred to an organization that wants to develop it further.”

Kuldeep Singh Grewal, Managing Director of Building Investigation and Testing Services (Redhill) Ltd said: “ Having re-acquired this valuable facility ¨B.I.T.S¨ is pleased to include it in the expanding range of UKAS Accredited Services offered. Having previously managed this facility under Yarsley/SGS, I am keen to develop the business potential with our personal service from hands-on directors.“

As part of the sale of the business all the physical test equipment, along with two ERA personnel, has transferred to ¨B.I.T.S¨.

About ERA

ERA Technology Limited works at the leading edge of many advanced technologies. The business was founded in 1920 and today provides specialist, high value added, technology-based services including design and development, testing, assessment and expert advice. ERA helps businesses resolve problems that they lack the technical expertise to do themselves; and assists business that rely on substantial infrastructures, including power generators, railways, telecoms, airports and oil refineries. For more information visit our website at www.era.co.uk. For general enquiries e-mail: info@era.co.uk.

About ¨B.I.T.S¨

Building Investigation & Testing Services (¨B.I.T.S¨) is one of the few totally independent UKAS Accredited Testing Laboratories in the UK and has no financial interest or association with any other business. Collectively the directors and staff have over 120 years of experience in testing, consultancy and litigation work relating to building components, systems and products.

¨B.I.T.S¨’ services can be catagorized into seven main headings:

Raised access floors, building products, systems & components, thermal conductivity measurements, mechanical & pressure testing, failure & litigation services & consultancy, and now water and gas pipe testing.

For further information contact:

ERA Technology Ltd
Simon Brown, Head of Plant Integrity Tel: 01372 367475
Corporate Marketing, Press Relations Tel: 01372 367000

B.I.T.S.
Kuldeep Singh Grewal, Managing Director Tel: 01737 765432
Fax 01737 765431
E-mail: info@bits-testlab.co.uk
Web: www.bits-testlab.co.uk