Owen Pugh launch OPAL Testing Services
North East construction company lays foundations for the growth of materials-testing division
OWEN Pugh Group have launched a dedicated materials-testing division to capitalize on opportunities within the civil engineering sector in the North East.
The construction firm has established OPAL Testing Services (www.opaltestingservices.com) as an externally focused business, to provide UKAS-accredited aggregates and soils testing both on site and within the company’s materials-testing laboratory at Marsden Quarry in Whitburn.
The work undertaken by the seven-strong OPAL team includes carrying out sampling and testing to ensure materials comply with relevant specifications for construction and civil engineering use.
The team also undertakes site-investigation work, providing a factual geotechnical assessments of ground conditions related to proposed developments.
While Owen Pugh Aggregates, who own and operate Marsden Quarry, have previously offered materials testing as a service to other divisions within the Owen Pugh Group, the launch of OPAL Testing Services follows a £100,000 investment in equipment, facilities and a new vehicle, as well as the recruitment of two new apprentices, Maxine Dennis and Dominic Brown (pictured), to allow the business to generate its own revenue stream.
According to Owen Pugh, OPAL are already attracting work from a number of construction and civil engineering companies as well as local authorities, and have already secured work on significant regional schemes.
Michael Aiston, laboratory manager at OPAL Testing Services, said: ‘The launch of OPAL was a natural progression for the materials-testing facility at Marsden Quarry.
‘With significant schemes such as the development of the New Wear Crossing and Morpeth Bypass under way in the region, and the recent expansion of our lab facilities, now is the time to capitalize on our assets and become an externally focused operation.’
He continued: ‘We’re pleased to welcome on board apprentice lab technicians Maxine and Dominic, who are already showing real promise and will ensure we’re well positioned to meet customer demands.
‘The customer experience is at the forefront of everything we do. We are committed to doing everything possible to meet and exceed their requirements; for example, we’re able to provide the results of plate bearing tests instantly on site, which means fewer delays for the customer.’
OPAL Testing Services say they are also committed to investing in the latest equipment to maintain efficiencies and ensure the highest health and safety standards.
For example, the business has invested in an electronic density gauge (EDG), a nuclear-free alternative for determining the moisture and density of compacted soils used in road beds and foundations.
Mr Aiston added: ‘We pride ourselves on operating at the forefront of technology, which again allows both ourselves and our customers to be as effective and efficient as possible.’
John Dickson, chairman of the Owen Pugh Group, said: ‘The launch of OPAL Testing Services is an exciting development for the group which allows us to maximize the materials-testing capabilities at our Marsden Quarry site.
‘With a number of major schemes under way in the region, the OPAL Testing Services team is well placed to utilize its specialist capabilities to ensure the future growth of the division.’
