About SATRA Technology Centre
SATRA is the world's leading research and technology centre of its kind
Click here to download the SATRA Corporate Brochure
SATRA is the world’s leading research and technology centre of its kind and employs scientific, technical and support staff in the UK, USA and China.
SATRA was formed in 1919 with the original purpose of helping manufacturers and suppliers to evolve by providing technical knowledge, research and testing (the three pillars of support). Since those early years, SATRA has developed significantly and today the brand is recognised and respected in over 70 countries across a diverse spread of product sectors.
Through its commitment to innovative research, SATRA has contributed to many advances in products industries. One better-known example is the boot worn by the British Expedition in conquering Mount Everest in 1953, which was designed and built by SATRA to help the climbers stay safe and comfortable and ensure that no-one suffered from frostbite. SATRA also revolutionised footwear production with a process that became known as ‘heat setting’, which reduced production times and achieved consistent and high levels of shape retention. Heat setting was seen as one of the most significant technological contributions to shoemaking and received the Queen’s Award for Industry. Advances made in footwear design, materials and process since then have led to a multi-billion dollar global industry producing everything from mass market everyday shoes to specialist performance wear, including sports, safety and workwear.
SATRA research, development and testing has helped improve the performance, quality and safety of a wide range of products and materials the world over.
SATRA is a leading authority on international legislation and testing, and the technical aspects of a wide range of products including footwear, leather, clothing, textiles, toys, safety products, PPE, workwear, furniture, floorcoverings, construction products, cleaning & laundry products and candles. Many of its test methods become industry standards and its production efficiency and accreditation systems are unrivalled. It also houses a well-equipped chemical analysis laboratory to meet the global demand for restricted substances testing.
SATRA’s objective is to help its customers increase their competitiveness. It provides support and expertise throughout the whole supply chain, from product research and development, material and component evaluation, quality assurance, manufacturing efficiency and cost saving, to testing and certification. SATRA also builds and sells its own branded test equipment.
Modern business looks to regenerate and revitalise through research and innovation, to exploit technology to enhance products so they have a cutting edge in home and global markets. SATRA remains committed to investing in technical innovation to help companies, large and small, established and start-up, to produce the products that future markets will demand.
SATRA’s own philosophy is one of people, products and planet in harmony through the application of research and innovation. And our vision would be that SATRA technical expertise is all about you in the products you wear or use.
SATRA is a Notified Body for the EU Directives on personal protective equipment (PPE), toys, and construction products.
SATRA publishes technical articles on a wide range of subjects in its own publications, on its website and in leading international industry publications; it also runs courses and seminars to help promote quality, excellence and professionalism throughout products industries.
SATRA acknowledges its corporate social and quality responsibilities. Please see:
link to visual timeline
