Bodycote buys GHD Cladding Technology & Tes...

Bodycote Materials Testing Middle East announces that on 7th August 2005, an
agreement was signed to acquire the Dubai based Cladding Technology and Testing
Laboratory Division from GHD Global Pty. The Cladding Technology and Testing
Laboratory (formerly part of the Taywood Engineering Group) is the Middle
East's leading testing facility for building envelopes including capabilities
to test building cladding and curtain wall systems for thermal cycling, dynamic
wind loading, water infiltration tests, structural deflection tests, impact
tests and acoustic testing.



In terms of service development, there is extensive overlap with the work
already being conducted in Bodycote Materials Canada. Some of the key areas for
service expansion would be specific glass tests, thermal transmissivity, UV
transmission, glass impact and shock testing, full building air leakage
testing, thermal imaging of facades etc.



In light of the current construction boom in the Middle East coupled with the
use of more advanced cladding technology in building designs and service
capability range extensions, Bodycote is forecasting enhanced growth and
success of the business under Bodycote management.



The acquisition has been effected through Bodycote's existing Joint Venture
company in Dubai, Al Futtaim Bodycote Materials Testing Services LLC (AFBMTS)
and the acquired cladding testing business will report directly in to AFBMTS as
a stand-alone division. There is however considerable overlap between the staff
and equipment capabilities of the cladding testing division and the existing
AFBMTS business thus making it an ideal 'bolt on' acquisition.