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New Technical Director Appointed at Etex Building Performance

Etex Building Performance has appointed a new Technical Director to head up specialist construction brands Siniat and Promat.

In his new role, Si Gibson, who joins from civil engineering access solutions firm Wrekin, will work to expand the extensive testing portfolio of both passive fire protection specialist Promat and drywall manufacturer Siniat.

Bringing a wealth of experience in construction manufacturing, Si will build on the schedule of enhanced testing and competency now established at Etex.

Having served as Technical Director at Wrekin, Si brings demonstrated technical leadership along with extensive construction product knowledge and research and development experience.

Siniat and Promat have been positioned as market leaders in fire test data following an intensive testing programme that included a commitment to testing to the EN standard ahead of it coming into force.

This has latterly seen a focus on the need to provide more comprehensive data for material interfacing, and to expand the field of application.

This has been supported by a commitment to drive up standards within Promat and Siniat, with all technical and sales staff required to undertake the IFE Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection to demonstrate a depth of knowledge.

Siniat was also one of the first companies to sign up to the Construction Code of Product Information (CCPI), to demonstrate a commitment to clarity in product information to support better standards and transparency in the construction industry.

These are foundations that Si aims to build on as he supports Etex Building Performance in solidifying its commitment to upholding the highest technical and operational standards in construction manufacturing.

He said: “The construction industry has undergone a considerable shift in the last few years, and the increased focus on standards in testing and competency is welcome.

“Siniat and Promat are in a strong position to support major players in the construction industry in delivering safer, compliant and fully evidenced internal wall and passive fire protection systems.

“But there is still more we can do. Collaboration is going to be vital to expanding knowledge and testing moving forwards to provide the sureties that developers and end users want to see. This will allow better system testing as well as ensure efficiency in the build process.

“In turn, the supply chain needs to be more self-governing. Legislation cannot move quickly enough to make the changes we need to see now for comprehensive, lasting change across a host of applications and projects, but we as an industry can step up and set the bar where it needs to be. We must set the standards ourselves.

“Etex Building Performance is already on the journey, recently taking the bold step to accept design liability for its system designs, while also acting to de-risk construction decisions through extensive classification reporting. This is our take on what responsible manufacturing should look like.

“I’m looking forward to working with partners across the industry to see how together we can make it easier to build safer buildings that support longevity and efficiency.”