Product testing specialist SATRA has appointed Martin Heels (pictured) as divisional manager of its newly formed Furnishings and Chemistry Division – incorporating the existing furniture, floorcoverings, flammability and chemistry business areas.
With the importance of chemical compliance and continuingly evolving chemical legislation, access to chemical knowledge and expertise for manufacturers, retailers and all in the supply chain for the furniture and floorcoverings industries is crucial, says SATRA – which adds that, with Martin’s appointment, it is able to provide increased support and expertise in this area, along with access to UK testing facilities, for customers and members in this sector.
Martin has a first-class degree in applied chemistry, is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and a fellow of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists. Martin also uses his expertise in chemistry to represent the UK on CEN and ISO international standards committees.
Since joining SATRA in 1998, Martin has held various positions within its chemistry team, most recently as the business area manager for 13 years, and has been key to the growth of the services offered by SATRA in this area. Supporting Martin in his new role is the experienced team of: Johnny Worthington, business area manager for furniture; Phil Weal, business area manager for floorcoverings and flammability; and Emma Norris, SATRA’s new chemistry business area manager.
SATRA says this new structure strengthens its recognised expertise in the furnishings industry by providing additional chemical compliance support, consultancy, training, testing and innovation across all areas that are important to the industry.
SATRA’s executive director, Michael Bodsworth, comments: “Chemical compliance and understanding is critical at every level of the product supply chain, and creating this new division will allow SATRA to provide valuable support and services in another important area for the furnishings industry and its supply chain.”
Chemical knowledge will be shared by Martin and members of the chemistry team at the forthcoming ‘Chemical compliance for the furniture and furnishings industry’ seminar SATRA is holding on Thursday 4th May – one of many planned events to support the industry in this area.
SATRA's Tristine Hargreaves has departed to take up the role of executive director at the National Bed Federation (see related). SATRA says its experts will continue to provide technical support to NBF members, and look forward to the working relationship between the two organisations continuing to grow.
