UL Solutions Strengthens Fire Safety Leadership with Upgraded Global Fire Science Center of Excellence
UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has announced the establishment of its new Global Fire Science Center of Excellence in Northbrook, Illinois. This significant development reinforces the company’s leadership in fire safety, security, and the building and construction markets while expanding its research, testing, and certification capabilities.
The new Global Fire Science Center of Excellence will be situated within UL Solutions’ expansive 110-acre campus north of Chicago. The initiative includes the construction of new state-of-the-art facilities as well as the modernization of existing fire science laboratories. By enhancing its infrastructure, UL Solutions is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to public safety and technological advancement in fire science.
A Legacy of Fire Safety Leadership
“Fire safety testing represents the very core of our business, deeply intertwined with our founding principles,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions. “From the beginnings of our company more than 130 years ago, public safety has guided our business, and fire safety still stands as a cornerstone of our mission of working for a safer world.”
UL Solutions has been at the forefront of fire safety research and innovation for over a century. The company’s expertise in evaluating fire risks and its contributions to the development of fire safety standards have made it a trusted name in the industry. The establishment of the Global Fire Science Center of Excellence represents a major step forward in continuing this legacy, allowing UL Solutions to further enhance fire safety research and product testing for a rapidly evolving industry.
Expanding Capabilities to Address Emerging Fire Safety Challenges
The Global Fire Science Center of Excellence is designed to address the growing complexities of fire safety, particularly in the face of advancing technologies and changing regulatory landscapes. The facility will provide enhanced research capabilities and expanded testing and certification services for a wide range of fire protection products. These include commercial and residential sprinklers, pipes, fittings, valves, fire extinguishers, firefighting foam, exterior walls, and perimeter fire barrier systems.
Additionally, the facility will offer verification services for fire protection systems, assisting customers in mitigating risks, meeting stringent building codes, and complying with insurance requirements. This comprehensive approach ensures that fire safety solutions are not only effective but also aligned with industry best practices and regulatory mandates.
As the industry evolves, new materials and construction techniques require continuous evaluation to ensure fire resilience. The enhanced fire testing infrastructure at UL Solutions will support global manufacturers by ensuring that their products meet high safety standards before entering the market. The facility’s expanded capabilities will allow UL Solutions to test building and fire safety products from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, ensuring they meet international safety standards.
Dedicated Research and Development Hub
In addition to its testing and certification services, the Global Fire Science Center of Excellence will serve as a dedicated research and development hub for applied R&D services and science-based guidance. The facility aims to support manufacturers, consultants, trade associations, industry groups, and standards development committees by offering critical insights and expertise in product safety.
This proactive approach is designed to help industry stakeholders minimize risks associated with new product development, optimize performance, and accelerate innovation timelines. By fostering collaboration between scientists, engineers, and regulatory experts, the R&D hub will enable manufacturers to develop cutting-edge fire safety solutions with confidence.
“The integration of advanced fire science research with state-of-the-art testing facilities allows UL Solutions to provide science-based guidance and practical solutions to industry partners,” said Karine Johnfroe, vice president and general manager of the Built Environment group at UL Solutions. “This will help manufacturers innovate safely while meeting evolving regulatory requirements.”
UL Solutions’ dedication to research and innovation underscores its role as a global leader in fire safety. The company’s work in material flammability, combustion science, and fire dynamics is instrumental in shaping industry standards and best practices. By investing in next-generation fire research capabilities, UL Solutions is not only supporting manufacturers but also contributing to the broader goal of enhancing public safety worldwide.
Ensuring Compliance and Public Confidence
UL Solutions provides a recognized and trusted benchmark for evaluating the fire resistance of products, materials, and systems. This is crucial for public safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer confidence across multiple industries. The UL Mark on a product signifies that it meets rigorous safety and performance standards, offering assurance to consumers, building inspectors, designers, architects, and regulatory authorities alike.
The new Global Fire Science Center of Excellence will further strengthen this reputation by ensuring that products undergo the most comprehensive testing available. This is particularly important as modern building materials and innovative construction methods introduce new fire safety considerations. Whether it’s testing fire-resistant coatings, evaluating the performance of fire suppression systems, or assessing the flammability of new materials, UL Solutions remains committed to advancing fire safety through rigorous science and testing.
Supporting Global Fire Safety Standards
Fire safety is a global concern, and UL Solutions’ enhanced capabilities will contribute to the development of internationally recognized standards. The company actively collaborates with regulatory agencies, industry organizations, and research institutions to shape fire safety policies and best practices worldwide.
By leveraging its extensive expertise and cutting-edge facilities, UL Solutions aims to play a pivotal role in advancing fire safety knowledge and implementation. The company’s investment in the Global Fire Science Center of Excellence aligns with its broader mission of working for a safer world, where innovative solutions can help mitigate fire risks and protect lives and property.
Future Outlook and Industry Impact
The establishment of the Global Fire Science Center of Excellence is a transformative move for UL Solutions and the fire safety industry as a whole. As fire risks continue to evolve due to new materials, climate change, and urbanization, the demand for advanced fire testing and certification services will only increase.
Through its upgraded facilities and expanded research initiatives, UL Solutions is poised to address these emerging challenges head-on. By integrating science, technology, and industry collaboration, the company is setting a new benchmark for fire safety excellence.
“With experience going back more than a century as a global leader in fire safety testing, UL Solutions has amassed extensive knowledge and expertise,” added Johnfroe. “Combining this knowledge and expertise with our new state-of-the-art Global Fire Science Center of Excellence will allow us to continue helping customers innovate for the next generation.”
As fire safety remains a critical concern for industries ranging from construction to manufacturing and beyond, UL Solutions’ commitment to research, testing, and compliance will help drive safer innovations and improved fire protection worldwide. The Global Fire Science Center of Excellence marks a significant milestone in this journey, reaffirming UL Solutions’ position as a leader in fire safety science for the decades to come.
