Promat UK leads the fire glass market with new quality and environmental standards

Promat UK, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of fire-resistant glazing, plus thermal and acoustic insulation, has become one of the first companies of its kind to successfully move up to the latest ‘2015’ editions of the globally recognised ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental management system standards.

This dual standards upgrade gives customers of Promat UK the assurance that products are manufactured to a consistently high standard in processes designed to minimise environmental impact and with excellent supply reliability. These ISO standards, which apply to all activities undertaken at Promat UK’s 66,000 sq. ft. main manufacturing centre and HQ at Heywood in Lancashire, are awarded to companies only when independent assessors are satisfied that their management, operations and all processes meet their strict criteria.

Achieving these new standards is another important differentiator for Promat UK as it works to raise awareness of why there is no margin of error in the design and installation of fire-resistant glass. Their complete fire-rated glazing system, Promat SYSTEMGLAS®, is supported by a RIBA-approved CPD seminar for specifiers and extensive resources for contractors and installers, as well as a campaign to encourage greater understanding of the ‘specified for a reason’ message.

Ian Cowley, General Manager at Promat UK says: “We’re delighted to become one of the first manufacturers of fire, thermal and acoustic insulation to reach the 2015 ISO standards. The work that goes into achieving these standards is far-reaching and looks at every aspect of our business in detail to ensure we’re doing things in the best way possible.

“Tragic recent events have put the performance of products that are designed to save lives under the spotlight like never before. It is vitally important for specifiers, contractors and installers to eliminate risk, particularly with products like fire resistant glass, and here ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 help make a difference.

“These standards go hand-in-hand, giving our customers peace of mind knowing that independent experts have been through the way we manufacture and supply products with a fine-tooth comb. In combination with our specific product approvals, such as those provided by CERTIFIRE, this means we give our customers a ‘belt and braces’ assurance that our products are right for the application.”

A significant change in the 2015 ISO standards versus previous versions is the involvement of the senior management team in leading and developing systems. This ensures the management systems effectively support the overall business objectives, customer requirements and the competence and development of employees, focusing on managing risk by closely scrutinising and monitoring quality, environmental and health and safety performance.

Promat UK manufactures high performance insulation and reliable passive fire protection in numerous markets, including the door, window and industrial sectors. It manufactures a wide range of products from the company’s portfolio, which includes glass brands such as PYROCET®, PYROSEC® and SMOKESTREAM®, along with its complete glazing solution SYSTEMGLAS®, which is rapidly growing in popularity in the market due to its unique a 360 degree ‘wheel of assurance’ for architects and clients.

Part of international building product manufacturing group the Etex Group, Promat UK has been producing fire, thermal and acoustic protection solutions for more than 30 years. In addition to its range of fire resistant glass, which offers both integrity and insulation (EI) and integrity only (E) solutions, the company manufactures market leading high performance solutions which are used in numerous hi-tech, engineering and industrial sectors. These range from Formula One racing, train rolling stock and aircraft manufacture, to offshore wind turbines, the nuclear industry and white goods.