Etex Building Performance appoints new Technical Director to strengthen safety capabilities
Etex Building Performance has appointed Si Gibson as Technical Director for its specialist construction brands Siniat and Promat, as the manufacturer continues to expand its technical testing, passive fire protection expertise and competency programmes.
Gibson joins from civil engineering access solutions manufacturer Wrekin, where he served as Technical Director, bringing experience in construction product development, technical leadership and research and development.
In his new role, he will lead the technical strategy for drywall manufacturer Siniat and passive fire protection specialist Promat, with a particular focus on expanding the businesses’ fire testing programmes and supporting compliance across the construction sector.
Focus on fire testing and evidence-based product performance
The appointment comes as manufacturers continue to respond to increased regulatory scrutiny following the introduction of the Building Safety Act and wider industry reforms aimed at improving product transparency and building safety.
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Etex said Siniat and Promat have expanded their fire testing programmes in recent years, including early testing to European EN standards before they became mandatory.
The programme has also focused on increasing testing around material interfaces and broadening the field of application for tested systems, providing designers and contractors with more comprehensive performance data.
Alongside product testing, the business has introduced competency initiatives requiring all technical and sales staff to complete the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection.
Siniat has also signed up to the Construction Code of Product Information (CCPI), supporting clearer and more transparent construction product information.
Industry collaboration key to raising standards
Commenting on his appointment, Si Gibson 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.
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“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.”
He added that the construction supply chain should continue to raise standards beyond legislative requirements.
“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 derisk construction decisions through extensive classification reporting. This is our take on what responsible manufacturing should look like.
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“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.”
Technical leadership supports evolving building safety requirements
The appointment reflects the continued emphasis across the construction products sector on competency, evidence-based testing and transparent product information as manufacturers respond to increasingly rigorous building safety requirements.
Manufacturers supplying passive fire protection and internal wall systems are investing in expanded testing programmes and technical expertise to provide contractors, designers and developers with greater confidence in product performance and regulatory compliance.
