Architects, engineers and building owners are more focused and concerned about quality than ever before. With increased reliance by the engineering/design community on industry standards, coupled with the growing impact codes are having on construction installations, the need for an impartial testing and research organization and the verification of product performance is quite evident.

The newly established SMACNA Testing & Research Institute will meet that industry need by overseeing the creation of valuable test data that will raise the comfort level of engineers, building owners and contractors that the materials being installed are of the highest calibre and meet appropriate specifications.

In addition, the SMACNA Testing & Research Institute will permit the testing of proprietary products. Verification of manufacturers' published performance characteristics for proprietary products is something the industry has needed for years.