CTS has expanded its UK coverage once again, with the launch of a new laboratory facility in Newcastle. Located in the heart of the North East, our new facility expands CTS's nationwide network and brings specialist materials testing services closer to the projects, clients and communities we support throughout Newcastle and the wider region.
The opening of the Newcastle laboratory reflects our ongoing investment in delivering high-quality, responsive testing services where they are needed most, while strengthening our ability to support the growing volume of construction and infrastructure work taking place across the North East.
Meeting a growing need in the North East
Newcastle and the wider North East have long represented a significant opportunity for materials testing. With major investment across housing, transport, commercial developments and infrastructure projects, demand for reliable testing services continues to grow.
For some time, CTS has been supporting projects throughout the region using technicians and resources from our Penrith laboratory. While this enabled us to deliver our services across the North East, it became increasingly clear that a permanent local presence would allow us to better support both our clients and our team.
By establishing a dedicated laboratory in Newcastle, we can provide faster response times, increased flexibility and improved access to specialist testing expertise for projects across the region.
More Than Just a New Laboratory
The decision to open a Newcastle facility was driven by more than geography alone. Throughout the years, feedback from both clients and technicians consistently highlighted the need for a dedicated CTS presence in the North East. One question came up time and time again:
"When are you setting up in the North East?"
At the same time, many members of our wider team have strong personal connections to the region, making Newcastle a natural location for further investment and growth.
The new laboratory provides a permanent base for local technicians, helping to reduce unnecessary travel while creating a stronger support network for our team. Materials testing often requires early starts, long days and extensive travel, so having a local facility allows us to create a better working environment while maintaining the high levels of service our clients expect.
Investing in local expertise
As part of our commitment to the region, the Newcastle laboratory has created opportunities to recruit and develop local talent while bringing specialist testing expertise closer to the projects that need it. By investing directly in the North East, we're helping to strengthen local capabilities while ensuring clients have access to responsive, reliable support throughout every stage of their projects. The facility also enables us to reduce travel distances and associated emissions, supporting our wider commitment to operating more sustainably while continuing to deliver high-quality services nationwide
A Strong Start
The response to the new laboratory has already been incredibly positive, with both clients and colleagues welcoming the increased local presence.
To further strengthen our capabilities, our UKAS assessment for the Newcastle facility is already scheduled, demonstrating our commitment to delivering accredited services and maintaining the highest standards from day one.
A Word from James Bennett – General Manager North
"I’m incredibly proud to see our new CTS North laboratory open in Newcastle. This facility brings us closer to the projects and clients across the North East, delivering faster, more responsive materials testing while creating better opportunities for our local team. It’s a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting the region’s growth, and I’m excited to build on the strong start we’ve already seen."
Looking Ahead
The opening of our Newcastle laboratory represents another important step in CTS' nationwide growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to delivering local expertise backed by national capability.
As construction activity across the North East continues to grow, we're excited to support the projects, businesses and communities helping to shape the region's future. By investing in local people, local facilities and local relationships, we're building a stronger presence in the North East and bringing our services closer to the clients who rely on them every day.