New TÜV NORD GROUP component testing centre operational in Verl

A new TÜV NORD GROUP test centre for construction elements has started operations in Verl, East Westphalia. Further tests will be added to those already offered by the end of the year. The test centre in Verl complements the existing test locations in Lathen – and in Rosenheim of the subsidiary PfB.

Fire resistance tests for construction elements are now available in Verl. A fire oven with an area of 4 x 4 metres is available for this purpose. The fire resistance of room-enclosing components is being tested. These include doors, gates, façades, fire protection walls and bulkheads. The tests on doors and gates are supplemented by load tests with the continuous function machine. This simulates repeated opening and closing over the life cycle of the component. A burglary test rig is also in operation. All of these tests are prescribed by standards. Site manager Richard Mertens: “As we are already in contact with regional manufacturers via the other sites, we are confident that this modern test centre will quickly establish itself in the industry.”
The hall in Verl alone is 1,500 square metres in size; offices and meeting rooms are also available. Further testing facilities will be put into operation by the end of the year: These include component tests for air permeability, driving rain resistance and resistance to wind load as well as smoke protection tests. Eight employees will be working at the new site in the medium term.
Verl is an ideal location for a component testing centre: It is close to major manufacturers in the industry, which shortens transport routes, both in terms of distance and time. “We see ourselves as a responsible employer and as a useful addition and enrichment to the local economy,” says Mr. Mertens. 
The site is also well positioned in terms of sustainability: The site’s own solar installation with an output of 154 kWp will supply the majority of the electricity required.
The new testing centre complements the TÜV NORD GROUP’s existing testing locations for construction elements with a similar range of services in Rosenheim in Upper Bavaria under the PfB flag and in Lathen in Lower Saxony, which previously operated under the name DMT and is now operating as TÜV NORD following a reorganisation of the testing laboratories.