ICLT physical testing laboratory officially reopened
During a small industry gathering at the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) at the University of Northampton, newly appointed vice-chancellor, Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, officiated the unveiling ceremony for the newly refurbished on-site physical testing laboratory.
Through the support of research and testing organisation SATRA, the new testing laboratory has been fully refurbished with a range of state-of-the-art leather testing equipment.
“Although I’m new to the university, I know how important leather education and research has been for the story of the university, past, present and future,” Professor Kilday said. “It’s important to us, and important for our profile and for student recruitment.”
In total, 12 pieces of equipment, including vamp flexer, chisel scuff tester,bally flexometer and water vapour permeability apparatus have been made available to the university, alongside access to up-to-date test methods and specifications. There will also be a full maintenance schedule.
Speaking at the event, executive director of SATRA, Michael Bodsworth, said: “These facilities will pass on to students the understanding of the importance of quality, performance and conformance that they will need when moving into industry.”
