Etex Building Performance Appoints Si Gibson as Technical Director
Etex Building Performance has appointed Si Gibson as Technical Director for its Siniat and Promat brands, reinforcing the company’s focus on technical excellence, fire safety and product testing as demand grows for higher standards across the construction industry.
Siniat specialises in drywall systems, while Promat is recognised internationally for passive fire protection solutions used across commercial, residential and infrastructure projects. Both brands form part of Etex Building Performance’s portfolio of construction systems.
Etex Building Performance has appointed a new Technical Director to head up specialist construction brands Siniat and Promat.
In his new role Si Gibson, who joins from civil engineering access solution firm Wrekin, will work to expand the extensive testing portfolio of both passive fire protection specialist Promat and drywall manufacturer Siniat.
Bringing a wealth of experience in construction manufacturing, Si will build on the schedule of enhanced testing and competency now established at Etex.
Having served as Technical Director at Wrekin, Si brings demonstrated technical leadership along with extensive construction product knowledge, and research and development experience.
Siniat and Promat have been positioned as market leaders in fire test data following an intensive testing programme, that included a commitment to testing to the EN standard ahead of it coming into force.
More recently, this has included expanding technical data on material interfaces and broadening the field of application for tested systems.
This has been supported by a commitment to drive up standards within Promat and Siniat with all technical and sales staff required to undertake the IFE Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection to demonstrate a depth of knowledge.
Siniat was also one of the first companies to sign up to the Construction Code of Product Information (CCPI), to demonstrate a commitment to clarity in product information to support better standards and transparency in the construction industry.
These are foundations that Si aims to build on as he supports Etex Building Performance in solidifying its commitment to upholding the highest technical and operational standards in construction manufacturing.
He 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine
