UK-based SATRA Technology Centre has recorded an income of £7.68 million ($13.8 million) a 6% rise from 2003. This positive result is attributed to increased work in the footwear and leathergoods sectors but also in furniture, safety products, fabric care, floor coverings and automotive products, by more than 15% compared to the previous year.

Chief Executive Dr Ron Whittaker said: "This achievement is even more impressive considering firstly the global change in production and sourcing of footwear and other consumer products, and secondly the major investment in new facilities at SATRA.”

In 2004 the centre opened a 26,000 sq. ft. extension to its Wyndham Way property in Kettering, allowing 75% of its research and testing activities to be carried out in modern state-of-the-art laboratory accommodation. An investment of nearly £2m ($3.6 million) has created a number of new visitor, office and testing facilities.

A total of 110 new members joined SATRA last year and membership income increased to £2.07 million ($3.7 million). The organisation now has more than 1,600 members in 70 countries. Almost three-quarters of them are outside of the UK, many from the Far East.

The centre continues investing in research outside footwear and leather sectors, including establishing a candle testing laboratory, additional chemical analytical equipment and an enhanced furniture and floor coverings testing centre.

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