Element Materials Technology acquires TRaC Global

Element’s Aerospace footprint in Europe is enlarged with the addition of six UK laboratories and capabilities in EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), Vibration and Environmental Simulation, Safety, Radio, Telecoms, Explosive Atmosphere Testing (ATEX), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Early Stage Qualification (ESQ). The deal adds 30 EMC testing chambers to the Element Group, including a Heavy Vehicle Semi-Anechoic Chamber (HVSAC) with an 18m x 14m working volume and capacity for 70 ton floor loading, which is one of only three in the UK.

Element’s continued investment in its Aerospace Product Qualification Testing (PQT) offering ensures that it remains positioned to deliver on both the PQT and Materials Testing (MT) requirements of Aerospace Primes and their supply chain partners.

TRaC is the second major addition to the Element platform in Aerospace product qualification testing in the first quarter of 2015, following the acquisition of Minneapolis-based Environ Laboratories in January.

Charles Noall, President and CEO of Element, says: “The acquisition of TRaC is a hugely important step towards our goal to become the recognised market leader for materials testing and product qualification testing services. By significantly expanding Element’s Aerospace capacity in Europe, adding exciting talent and laboratories including a presence in China, we are satisfied that the deal tangibly strengthens the Element platform and further demonstrates our ambitious, strategic growth plans.

“TRaC’s impressive list of client approvals; together with their exceptional team of Engaged Experts; great delivery capabilities and their strong relationships with existing Element clients; means that we are better-placed than ever to become the most trusted testing partner for our clients, enabling competitive time-to-market advantages through shorter testing turnaround times.”

The deal takes Element’s headcount to 1,800 and the number of Element facilities to 51.