According to UK-based research and technology centre SATRA, test demands on its main footwear and leather goods facilities are increasing every year and 15% more tests were undertaken for members during 2005 than in the previous year.

2005 saw a significant increase in the submission of all types of general footwear and components, safety footwear and leather goods at SATRA’s laboratories, which bucks the trend towards commissioning testing near the point of manufacture.

Austin Simmons, executive director responsible for the daily running of the SATRA’s main footwear testing areas, attributes this success to our global reputation and acknowledged skills and experience.

Another key factor has been the continued investment in new equipment, test machines and facilities. SATRA has a large selection of specialist test equipment at its footwear test laboratory and more than £100,000 was spent on new test equipment in 2005 alone.