Global lab-testing firm opens 50,000 sq ft base creating new jobs

Exova unveiled its new hub in Wednesbury yesterday, with the multi-million investment a signal of its continued growth.

The new testing site serves the needs of national and international customers in the automotive, door, window and hardware industries.

The facility, at Wednesbury One, on the Black Country New Road, which will conduct more than 10,000 tests annually.

Workers at the firm test a number of products, including the security, durability and weather testing of doors, windows and hardware and flammability, vibration and emissions from cars.

It is the latest big name to open in Wednesbury, following on from the opening of the huge Lidl distribution centre, overlooking the M6.

Ian El-Mokadem, chief executive of Exova, said: “This is an important milestone in the growth of our automotive and building products testing businesses, which work for some of the world’s leading household names.

"Bringing these testing services together, close to our key customers, will enable us to increase efficiency and turnaround times, and give greater access to Exova’s global expertise.

“I wish the Exova Wednesbury team the very best for the future of this site which is at the forefront of both customer service and technical standards.”

Paul Forrest, director of West Midlands Economic Forum, welcomed the arrival of the firm to the Black Country.

He said: "Centres such as this that enable the region to drive forward as a key supplier at the apex of global value-added supply chains.

"Exova’s presence is a significant addition to the already broad range of attributes that the Black Country possesses, as one of the leading global technology clusters.”