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Exova, the world’s largest dedicated testing group, will establish a multimillion-dollar global network of laboratories, led by a new corrosion center, to research and develop solutions to the world’s $3.2 trillion corrosion problem.
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| Exova CEO Ian El-Mokadem (left) says the new initiative answers a growing demand for corrosion testing services. The new Corrosion Center will be headed by Dr. Chris Fowler (right), former NACE International president and Exova’s director of corrosion. |
The centerpiece of the initiative will be a £3 million ($4.8 million US) Corrosion Centre in the UK headed by Dr. Chris Fowler, a renowned corrosion expert and former NACE International president who is now director of corrosion for Exova.
The 23,000-square-foot center, announced this week, will be based at Exova’s Dudley site in the UK.
Corrosion Alarm
The initiative is prompted by what Exova calls government and industry alarm over the worldwide cost of corrosion, which Exova estimates at more than $3 trillion.
“The center is being created to develop solutions to the issue faced by industry sectors worldwide, including oil and gas, construction and aerospace,” Exova said in a statement.
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| Exova’s services include a wide range of coatings testing. |
The facility will also house a new Exova Academy, which will “develop the next generation of corrosion engineers, while working with customers and industry partners to identify future trends and developments,” the company said.
The Dudley facility will become the central hub of a global network of laboratories to be located in Abu Dhabi, in the Middle East; Houston, TX, in the U.S.; Crema in Italy; Singapore; and Sandnes, in Norway.
Growing Demand
Ian El-Mokadem, Exova’s CEO, said the investment was meant to address a growing demand for corrosion testing services, which “has been driven by harsher environmental conditions, particularly in relation to the oil and gas industry as the search for energy sees companies pushing the boundaries of exploration and production.”
“We will be advancing our corrosion testing and consulting capabilities, providing services that will help our customers ensure the safety and performance of critical assets, while also extending operational life.”
Exova has already invested more than $21 million this year developing testing capabilities.
About the Company
Exova provides testing, calibration and related services for the aerospace, calibration, construction, oil and gas, engineering and other sectors.
The company’s services include a wide range of polymer, coatings and composite testing, formulation and analysis, including product validation for protective and marine coatings.
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