The next two years will see double-digit growth in international air distribution; fire safety and natural ventilation markets, according to one of the world's leading global manufacturers
Terry O'Halloran, President and Chief Executive Officer of US conglomerate Air Distribution Technologies, which owns Ruskin Air Management in the UK, believes public sector infrastructure spending will accelerate during 2014 and continue to pick up pace well into 2016.

'The US market is improving now, but largely in the residential sector - commercial and industrial spending has yet to kick in,' said Mr O'Halloran during a recent visit to the UK to open a new test facility at Ruskin's factory in Whitstable, Kent.

'Our dysfunctional political system and the large US deficit means important decisions about investment in schools and hospitals have been delayed, but we are close to the point where this spending cannot be put off any longer.'

The US is predicted to become selfsufficient in energy by 2020 and this is driving investment confidence throughout the business community, according to Mr O'Halloran. He expects this to have a positive impact on ADT's global markets including the UK, Europe and the Middle East where the company has manufacturing facilities.

The group manufactures air distribution and ventilation products for residential and non-residential buildings and air movement and control products for industrial and infrastructure applications worldwide. The new test centre at Whitstable is a significant investment in the UK business, which is gearing up for increasing growth throughout Europe.

'Economic recovery is slow, but steady,' said Kevin Munson, managing director of Ruskin Air Management, which includes the Actionair; Air Diffusion and Naco brands. 'However, we are at the point where you can't keep waiting for something to happen - we have to be investing now. 'Our traditional markets are picking up again, but there is also an opportunity for growth in UK infrastructure particularly in nuclear and rail projects.'

The test centre provides state-of-the-art facilities for the complete Ruskin range of products. It is being commissioned by BSRIA so benefits from third party annual certification. It includes a well equipped demonstration area where tests can be witnessed by contractors, consultants and end clients. If required the verification of results can be provided by BSRIA experts.

'This is a logical addition to the company's facilities,' said Mr Munson. 'We jumped at the opportunity when the premises next to our Whitstable factory became available. We used to carry out tests in our own canteen; or in the factory - but now we have a properly equipped and dedicated facility.'

Mr O'Halloran said providing the investment funding was 'an easy decision to make'. 'Ruskin UK has been a very solid performer for us and has kept delivering throughout the global downturn,' he said. 'It has earned the right to have this investment and I am delighted to have been able to attend the opening to witness how well the group's money has been spent.'

CE marking starts to bite

Building control and trading standards officers are starting to tighten the screw on projects using equipment that does not comply with new compulsory CE marking legislation.

On July 1 it became compulsory for many products used in building services systems to carry a CE Mark following the implementation of the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR). As a result, end users could be forced to remove any equipment not properly tested and accredited.

Products subject to CE marking include flues, chimneys and fittings; heat and smoke extraction fans; fire and smoke dampers; fire rated ductwork systems; radiators and heat emitters. Third party testing, certification, factory testing and audit trails are all needed to achieve compliance.

Manufacturers report that contractors are growing increasingly aware of the new requirement and are asking suppliers to provide the necessary evidence of testing and certification. Building control officers are now carrying out on site checks; and trading standards are charged with prosecuting suppliers who fail to comply with the new law.

'The mandatory use of CE marks should be welcomed by specifiers and their suppliers as it will help to improve the quality of products used across the construction and building services industry,' said David Fitzpatrick, chairman of the CIBSE CE Marking working party.

'Robust policing is welcome because it creates a level playing field and makes
it hard for suppliers to place non-compliant products on the market,' added Fitzpatrick, who is also sales director of Ruskin Air Management.

Many UK manufacturers are scrambling to catch up with this requirement because Britain opted out of the original CE marking legislation in the 1990s, which gave continental firms a head start.

'We are fortunate that our parent company is based in France,' said Kerry Jones, director of smoke control and ventilation manufacturer Adexsi UK. 'This means that every product we supply in the UK was already fully tested and CE marked. 'We are receiving a growing number of enquiries about this issue,' she added. 'It is clear that specifiers want to ensure they are protected from noncompliant products that could undermine their whole building operating strategy - not to mention leaving their clients with potential legal problems.'