An investment programme has begun at a Black Country materials-testing company following its recent acquisition.

Dudley-based Phoenix Calibration (www.phoenixcalibration.co.uk), which was bought by Rubery Owen last year, is a market-leader in high-quality, specialist test machines that are used across a wide range of industries, from aerospace, automotive and academia to power generation, pharmaceutical, geo-technical and petro-chemical.

Guy Burridge has been appointed as full-time Operations Manager and will take over responsibility for all design and manufacture of test machines.

Mr Burridge brings a wealth of product, application, territory and client experience, having worked in the aerospace, defence and oil and gas industries as a leading figure at both James Walker & Co and Trelleborg.

Meanwhile, Sam Shevyn, who has been with Phoenix for over five years and was runner-up in the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Young Person of the Year Award, will now have responsibility for all UKAS calibration and on-site servicing work.

Managing director Vicki Wilkes said: “This is a very exciting time for us as Guy has a huge amount of experience in hydraulic systems, especially in sealing. He comes from a larger business background, and I believe will bring many positive ideas and knowledge to Phoenix.

“We are also delighted that Sam is one of our rising stars and he is very well qualified for his new role. Our success is based on extensive knowledge and collaboration with the hydraulics and materials industries, and we are enjoying operating within a larger group with possibilities for future investment.

“With fresh support from Rubery Owen and the injection of new staff, this is a time for us to hold on to the best of what we have and embrace new ideas to achieve the real potential for Phoenix.”

Founded in 2003, Phoenix Calibration provides firms around the world with full in-house materials testing services, as well as bespoke design, manufacture and maintenance support. Its customers include many blue-chip organisations, including JCB, Trelleborg and RAPRA.

The team has also developed long-standing relationships with a number of academic institutions and universities, including Imperial College London, Cambridge, Birmingham, Swansea and Cranfield.