AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – May 15, 2014 – The breakthrough materials testing research carried out by experts at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Hitchin, UK, has been hailed by visiting Member of European Parliament (MEP) Richard Howitt as “world-class”.

Richard Howitt, MEP for the East of England, was given a tour of ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s laboratory, where he was shown how millions in European funding has helped the team at Hitchin make world-first breakthroughs in materials testing and qualification, innovations that are benefiting critical international industries including Oil & Gas, Aerospace and Transportation.

Following his visit, Richard Howitt MEP remarked: “I’ve seen today that ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s work is world-class across fields as diverse as oil and gas, chemical processing, renewable energy and aerospace.”

ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Hitchin projects benefiting from EU-funding have included research into the laser welding of composite materials, self-healing materials incorporating nanotechnology, and the use of ultrasonic inspection techniques for composite pipes. Projects have ranged in total project value from €500,000 up to €35 million.

Charles Noall, President and CEO at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, says: “ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s laboratory at Hitchin has built a reputation as an internationally-leading composite materials testing and qualification center.

“European funding has helped it to develop innovative, first-of-their-kind methodologies and, with knowledge, testing techniques and proprietary equipment designs shared across ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, the results of Hitchin’s research help maintain our position at the forefront of materials developments.”

About ÐÔÊӽ紫ý: 
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý is a global network of laboratories with experts specializing in materials testing, product qualification testing and failure analysis for the Aerospace, Oil and Gas and the Transportation and Industrial sectors. Their team of 1,500 scientists, engineers and technicians work in 42 facilities located throughout the U.S. and Europe. For complete Accreditations & Approvals and more information, please visit www.element.com.


Media Contact: 
Alison Dwyer or Benjamin Pfeffer, Smith & Smith PR Ltd., tel: +44 161 927 9487, e-mail: element@smithandsmithpr.co.uk.

“ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s laboratory at Hitchin has built a reputation as an internationally-leading composite materials testing and qualification center.”

Charles Noall

President & CEO