Newry based testing company approached by Irish Training Network

LEADING testing company, Resonate Testing has partnered with Irish Government funded training network, Space Industry Skillnet, to deliver specialised training on testing processes for companies working within the space industry in Ireland. 

Renowned for its high-quality testing services and expertise, Newry-based Resonate Testing was approached by Space Industry Skillnet to create and deliver a bespoke training course on vibration and shock testing, which are hugely important aspects of testing within the space industry, amongst others.

While focused on the space industry, the training is equally suited to a wide range of industries. The goal of the upskilling opportunity is for engineers, project and program leads to understand vibration and shock testing as part of a product development life cycle.  Product testing assists in the development phase, or in demonstration of customer or regulatory performance requirements.  

The training is targeted at best practice which demonstrates reliability, performance validation or verification of specification compliance. Benefits span across those creating or reviewing test specification, to companies with in-house shaker systems that want to give their test engineers a grounding in the fundamentals of how their systems work. 

The first in a series of training sessions took place at Resonate Testing’s facility, where six different companies from across Ireland availed of the service, thanks to the support offered by Space Industry Skillnet. The goal is that subsequent training events will include companies from across the Island and further afield.

During the two-day training course, participants gained a fundamental understanding of vibration and shock testing, and how real-world exposure is replicated on a shaker table. Furthermore, data acquisition systems can provide an unparalleled insight into the responses for the test unit when exposed to the vibration and shock environments. In turn, this data is frequently used in conjunction with finite element analysis of the components to support optimisation during the development phase, or supporting fault finding or problem solving should issues be observed. 

As the course developed, attendees were introduced to the various types of test systems available, which can be tailored to best suit different applications, and given an introduction to advanced testing methods for more complex testing approaches. Attendees then undertook hands-on consolidation of the course content, setting up and running full scale testing in Resonate Testing’s state-of-the-art vibration lab. 

Space Industry Skillnet is an enterprise-led training network for Irish companies that are, or that want to be, involved in the delivery of technology and services to the global space market, including the European Space Agency. 

Network Manager, Catherine Lenehan, said, “We wanted to offer a course that would help companies become more aware of the different types of testing and requirements for more efficient vibration tests, thus helping them to save money. Due to Resonate Testing’s experience in testing equipment for Space applications and knowledge of the industry, in collaboration with our network members, we selected the company as our training provider. 

“This has been a very positive experience for us to date, and participants have been extremely impressed with the training content and delivery from Resonate’s team, in addition to the facilities at their testing centre. We look forward to seeing how the course develops and the subsequent benefits.”

Conor Barry, Test Engineer at Resonate Testing is overseeing the training course. Speaking about the partnership, Conor said, “When Space Industry Skillnet approached us about providing a training course on vibration and shock testing at the end of 2021, we were delighted to participate. Not only is this a fantastic opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise in shock and vibration testing, but it has the potential to ensure quicker turnaround times in the future, for tests from our customers that have attended the course. 

“This will provide a more efficient service and feed into the initial goal from Space Industry Skillnet of helping customers to save money. It has been a real team effort from Resonate Testing, but also a great opportunity for us to work alongside the training network.”

The course was developed by Resonate Testing for Space Industry Skillnet and funded by Skillnet Ireland through the Irish Government Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, with contribution from the network members of Space Industry Skillnet.

Tom Mallon, Resonate Testing Managing Director, supports the training and upskilling and said, “We look forward to strengthening our links with Space Industry Skillnet, and taking advantage of our strategic location by offering the training to UK, NI and Irish based companies. Witnessing the benefits for participants, we call upon Northern Ireland’s regional development and investment bodies to follow a similar approach and actively support the upskilling of the workforce to enable the region to compete on the global stage.”

Resonate Testing’s recent projects in the Space Industry include the James Webb Space Telescope and ESA’s Lunar Pathfinder spacecraft.

NEWRY-based Resonate Testing will be representing the region at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 10^th Triennial Fire and Cabin Safety Research Conference in New Jersey, USA this week as the company has secured an opportunity to present its research findings during the three-day event.

Following recent work with the FAA Tech Centre in Atlantic City that saw Resonate Testing assist with the design and introduction of ‘The Sonic Burner’, a kerosene burner for fire testing, the company has secured two presentation slots at the prestigious event.

The Triennial conference takes place every three years and is one of the leading conferences globally to inform the international aviation community about recent, ongoing and planned research activities in transport category airplane fire and cabin safety.

Olivia McAvoy, Graduate Engineer at Resonate Testing, will be presenting the company’s research and development findings in hazard minimisation in aircraft. The company replicated aircraft conditions and what would happen to structures, which inadvertently suffered from small gaps and holes, in the event of a fire. The work directly challenges assumptions and is aimed at the continuous development and application of ever-improving best practice during aircraft design and development. 

Additionally, Resonate Testing is the only UK or European fire test laboratory working to support the introduction of a new globally standardised and accepted kerosene burner, and will be presenting a comparison on two different types of burners, the Carlin and Sonic, during the conference.

Speaking about the opportunity, Olivia said, “Hazard minimisation in aircraft is hugely important and when we realised that there was no current data available, we knew that this was an area that needed to be explored. Resonate Testing is an innovative organisation, and we have no doubt that this is just the beginning of much more investigations in this area. I’m looking forward to presenting our findings at the conference and learning from those in attendance to see how we can further develop our R&D.”

Managing Director at Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon, added, “It’s important that our team understands the importance of supporting the wider aerospace community, whilst also using R&D to sharpen our knowledge and experience to ensure we meet our customers’ needs. The R&D that has been conducted to date will support future discussions on hazard minimisation on aircraft, that will hopefully be continued following the conference. We’re proud to be championing this research.”

Resonate Testing has extensive experience providing high quality testing and certification services to global customers across all industrial sectors.

At the Medical Technology Ireland Show 2022 at Galway Racecourse

With our Flaming Box and Rolling Road, we showcased the Resonate Testing capabilities to the attendees of the show.

Stand 134 at the show attracted a lot of attention from attendees who wanted to know all about our testing services and bespoke capabilities (and how the flaming box worked !!!).

Our Rolling Road featured all the courier and transportation companies that operate in the UK & Ireland as well as worldwide to showcase our ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) certification as a packaging test lab.

We are looking forward to attending the show again in 2023 (20^th & 21^st September 2023, Galway Racecourse) #ResonateTesting #Testing #TestingIreland #MedicalTesting #MedicalTechnologyIreland2022 #MedicalTechnologyIrelandExpo #Galway

Our team attended the Newry Chamber Employee and Team awards on Thursday night at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, where we were nominated in two categories;

• Manufacturing and Engineering Team of the Year and
• Manufacturing and Engineering Employee of the Year, which recognised the outstanding contribution of our Graduate Engineer, Olivia McAvoy.

We were delighted that Olivia was awarded Manufacturing and Engineering Employee on the night, and our team was Highly Commended in the Manufacturing and Engineering Team of the Year.

These both are great achievements for the company and we are extremely proud to be recognised amongst many of the fantastic businesses within the Newry Chamber area.

A big congratulations to Olivia and our entire team, and to all the winners on the night!

Check out some images from the awards below. #ResonateTesting #TestingIreland #NewryChamberAwards2022 #Newry #NewryChamber #Manfacturing #Engineering #Awards

Space is not just something other nations do – it is something that we do in Northern Ireland and do very well, that’s according to Robert Hill, Director of the Northern Ireland Space Office, when speaking to the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), David Morris MP, during a visit by him to Northern Ireland last week.

The APPG’s job is to raise awareness in Parliament of the importance and opportunities of space-based capabilities to the UK economy, policy making, society and the space community, as well as highlight and promote the benefits from the UK's investment in space and its leading role within the global space economy.

During his visit, Mr David Morris MP, visited both Newry test facilitator, Resonate Testing and award-winning software company, Skytek in Belfast. Tom Mallon, managing director of Resonate Testing was quick to point out that “there is much potential and opportunity within the Northern Irish Space Industry Cluster, whether it’s in upstream or downstream products or services, however we must not be left behind the other nations.”

“I believe there is an excellent prospect to create a commercially viable incubator and realise a commercially successful space industry within Northern Ireland but what is needed is practical and financial support.”

Robert Hill, who is also the Chair of the Northern Ireland Space Leadership Council and the Northern Ireland Space Special Interest Group (NISSIG), hosted by ADS, said, “It was a pleasure to meet Mr Morris MP and discuss the many exciting opportunities for the sector in Northern Ireland. There are many emerging opportunities to upscale Northern Ireland, and I want to do everything in my power to develop the region as a globally recognised place for the space sector, its innovation and creativity, and with companies like Resonate Testing and Skytek, we are doing just that.

He continued; “It is essential, however, for Northern Ireland to be part of the UK Space Strategy and provide proactive input, rather than reacting to a strategy already in place. Access to space has never been better as launch costs get less expensive, the private sector grows and the proliferation of lower cost satellite constellations and mega constellations.

“The next ten years will see an exponential growth in commercial space activities and Northern Ireland has these capabilities to support this global development. Data Analytics and Cyber will be key drivers for the space sector in the next decade with increasing demand for satellites as a service.”

Mr David Morris MP, APPG Chair, said; “It was wonderful to visit Northern Ireland and chat with both Tom [Mallon] and Rita [Malosti] about the ongoing work of Resonate Testing and Skytek. It was very insightful, and I believe that Northern Ireland given its microscopic nature, would be a great test bed for the sector.

“The UK Government is committed to supporting Northern Ireland, and businesses like Resonate Testing and Skytek show the importance of Northern Ireland to the UK, as well as showcasing the world-class talent and expertise that exists.”

Rita Malosti, Head of Space Activities, Skytek, said, “I was delighted to brief David Morris MP on the activities of Skytek. We’ve been operating for over 20 years and as a software development company, specialising in the space sector, we’ve many key partners. With a highly skilled and innovative team we’ve a proven track record and we are now looking to invest further in R&D for an Earth Observation centre, alongside our many products.”

Invest Northern Ireland also contributed to the visit and gave Mr Morris MP an overview of the space sector in Northern Ireland. This included showcasing the local companies and universities that are involved in global space programmes through innovation on the ground and in orbit; next generation lunar missions and deep space missions; and the aspiration to double Northern Ireland’s space sector by 2030.

Dr Leslie Orr, ADS(NI) added; “Northern Ireland has a growing space sector with great capabilities in both downstream and upstream. I must thank Mr Morris MP for visiting Resonate Testing and Skytek to gain a better understanding of this sector and its challenges. The excellent contribution that both these companies make, along with many others, show how important this sector is to both the UK and Northern Ireland economies.”

Next up in our 'Meet the Team' feature is our Quality Engineer, Ian Stewart. Find out more about Ian below:

Tell us more about your position as Quality Engineer:

I have a reasonably broad remit taking in Quality, Business Systems and Customer Support.

Length of time working for the company

Just over six months

What is your background?

I graduated in electrical and electronic engineering, but started work in Quality Assurance for a telecoms and automotive electronics manufacturing company. I became Quality Manager, looking after the quality management system, but also BS and CECC product qualification approvals.

I then managed an environmental test and validation laboratory in a global automotive electronics manufacturing company for 18 years.

Favourite part of the job?

I am enjoying working in the Resonate team. There is a real “can do” attitude and customer focus. I’m still learning about different parts of the business.

What does a typical day involve?

I’m not sure there is a typical day at Resonate! Work to date has included planning for development and extension of  Resonate’s test capabilities into new areas, reviewing management system processes and operation, preparing training material, reviewing customer test requirements, as well as some hands on testing support.

The common factor is working with the Resonate team to deliver for the customer.

What opportunities have you been given as a member of the team at Resonate Testing?

In a relatively short time with the company I’ve been able to support in the ISO 9001 annual surveillance audit, and I’ve also had the opportunity to progress the company to achieving ISTA Certified Laboratory status for packaging testing.

How do you like to relax outside of work?

Saturday mornings, I do Parkrun – I got past the 100 milestone in January.

I play the clarinet and have recently joined Lisburn Community Orchestra. I also enjoy playing the guitar and singing.

I volunteer with Scouts, and have carried out quite a few roles over the years.

THE Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns MP visited Newry based testing company, Resonate Testing on Wednesday 20^th April 2022 to engage and gain a detailed understanding of the company’s work, the sectors it services and the ongoing challenges it faces, as well as its future plans for growth.

Established in 2016, Resonate Testing found a niche in the testing services market, offering a range of high-quality testing and certification services across all industrial sectors, which has driven significant growth and demand for the testing facilitator’s services.

Having recently diversified into the space sector, Managing Director of Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon, sees huge potential and opportunity for SMEs looking to enter the space industry across the UK. Northern Ireland is engaging in a Northern Ireland Space Strategy to create a firm and realistic foundation from which to grow the space sector, and enhance the region’s standing in the space community.

Following the visit, Tom said, “Resonate Testing was delighted to host the Minister of State for Northern Ireland and have the opportunity to show him our highly innovative testing facility, meet some of our expert team and give a demonstration of high shock and fire testing, and how we integrate practical solutions with key software to deliver results to our customers.

“We explained to the Minister about the many capabilities that we have from fire, flammability and packaging to shock, environmental and climatic testing, and the opportunities that are available to our company within the space sector throughout the UK. It is important that we maximise these opportunities and realise the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, otherwise the region may be left behind its British counterparts, if support is not provided.“

Following the visit, Minister of State Conor Burns MP said; “It was wonderful to visit Resonate Testing and hear about the great success of a family run business, seeing how alive its entrepreneurial spirit is and innovative in its approach.

“The space sector in the UK is going from strength to strength, with the UK Space Industry recently reporting that the size of the space industry in Northern Ireland has tripled in the past year.

“The UK Government is committed to supporting Northern Ireland, and businesses like Resonate Testingshow the importance of Northern Ireland to the UK, showcasing the world-class talent and expertise that exists here.”

Resonate Testing’s customer base ranges geographically from Europe, USA and Brazil, to Canada and Japan, as well as across the Island of Ireland and the UK. During the global pandemic, the company minimised any disruption to services thanks to the introduction of its innovative and forward-thinking high quality video stream service in 2019, which was recognised with a platinum level Innovate NI Innovation Accreditation.

Ian Stewart has been appointed as Quality Engineer with Newry based testing company, Resonate Testing.

Bringing extensive experience in quality management and testing and validation to the role, Ian will be responsible for ensuring quality standards are maintained and developed within the company. He also played an instrumental role in the company’s recent achievement of the ISTA Certification for packaging testing.

Ian’s previous experience includes roles at Schrader Electronics/Sensata Techologies and Lucas Stability Electronics.

NEWRY company, Resonate Testing, the leading commercial test house on the island of Ireland, conducted high level vibration and SRS shock testing on equipment that was used as part of the successful launch of the James Webb telescope on Christmas Day.

The telescope, the largest, most powerful and complex telescope ever built, has been described as a “time machine” by scientists and will allow astronomers to study the beginning of the universe shortly after the big bang, 13.8 billion years ago, as well as hunting for signs of life-supporting planets in our own galaxy.

Resonate Testing worked with Dublin based Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, which played a critical role in the launch by providing video images of the separation of the fairings (equipment used to protect the spacecraft during launch), and the spacecraft from the rocket.

Réaltra Space Systems ensured that all products underwent a rigorous “qualification” test campaign, which validated that the design could survive the harsh environments of the launch and space with sufficient margin. The process included extensive testing by Resonate Testing’s experienced and knowledgeable team to ensure the tests were completed to the required space industry standards.

Speaking about the launch of the most ambitious robot probe ever built, the $10bn James Webb telescope, which was blasted into space on top of a giant European rocket, Managing Director of Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon, said “Christmas was extra special this year. As a company we were extremely proud to have played a part in the successful launch of the huge Ariane 5 launcher and the James Webb telescope from the European Space Agency’s station in French Guiana.

“We have been working with Realtra Space for some time, and in recent years we have been competing on a global level by exploiting key upstream resources and developing world-class space downstream capabilities.”

Resonate Testing operates from its Centre of Excellence for Space in Newry and provides a range of testing processes across many sectors. The company has seen an increasing number of tests within the Space Sector, which can be attributed to its ability to rapidly develop and approve new capabilities, following requests from customers – not just in the space sector, but across the many industries that they service. This demonstrates Resonate Testing’s exceptional engineering services as a tried and tested facilitator.

In 2020, the company was awarded Platinum in the Innovate NI Innovation Accreditation programme for its cutting-edge processes that seen the delivery of high-quality live stream testing to global customers, including Réaltra, throughout the global pandemic.

“WE urgently need the Government to step up and support the Space Sector so we can compete in the global market.” That’s the words of Resonate Testing Managing Director, Tom Mallon who fears the region may be left behind its GB counterparts if support is not provided, threatening the progress that has already been made in the sector.

The call comes ahead of the latest All Ireland Space Industry Day, hosted by the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space (ADS) Group, which takes place at Armagh City Hotel on Thursday 21^st October. The event will look at innovation within the Space Sector throughout the region, which has been competing on a global level in recent years by exploiting key space engineering, manufacturing, and testing resources and developing world-class space data analytics and machine learning capabilities.

Mr Mallon believes that as well as providing support, including financial assistance, the Government needs to step up and help companies upskill their employees, so they are able to compete on the global market. Depending on the level of support provided, he believes the sector will either see further significant growth by many local SMEs, or alternatively, if no action is taken, it could potentially squander the opportunities that have arisen from the NI Protocol and the unfettered access to the EU markets.

Tom said, “The Space Sector offers so much potential to many SMEs in Northern Ireland, but if we don’t act now, we are going to miss out. The good work that has been achieved will disappear. Political figures and business leaders need to approach this from a ‘levelling up’ agenda. When we look at spend here in Northern Ireland, we are not seeing the opportunities that mainland UK see. If our political leaders don’t support us, we are going to miss out.

“We are now competing on an international and global level. We need to be able to find the right staff and train them to the level required so Northern Ireland can pursue its vision of becoming a globally recognised region for space sector innovation and creativity. This will allow us to exploit further opportunities in the future.”

The Space Cluster within the region has grown in recent years and saw the launch of the Northern Ireland Space Strategy, as well as the Northern Ireland Space Special Interest Group (NISSIG), but to get to the next level, more support needs to be provided to those companies that operate within the sector.

Resonate Testing is one of those companies. Recognised as one of the leading commercial test houses on the Island of Ireland, the company operates from its Centre of Excellence for Space in Newry and provides a range of testing processes across many sectors. In the last 12 months, there has been an increasing demand for tests within the Space Sector and over the next 18 months, the company is on track to grow its space related work from an estimated 10% to 25% of company turnover.

High level vibration and SRS shock testing was conducted by Resonate Testing on equipment that will be used as part of the launch for the upcoming James Webb telescope; the largest, most powerful and complex telescope ever built, which will be launched into space on 18^th December 2021.

By raising awareness of the capabilities of companies throughout the Island of Ireland, many of which are up and coming, Tom believes the sector will thrive. He said, “Here in Northern Ireland, and across the island, we have so many companies doing incredible work across the space sector, but with the right support, they and many other companies, will be able to do so much more. We need to raise awareness of our capabilities and through support from the Government and events like the All Ireland Space Industry Day, I firmly believe we will be able to achieve this.”

As part of the All Ireland Space Industry Day, Tom will be presenting alongside Danny Gleeson, Chief Commercial Officer at Dublin-based Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, on how the company remained resilient throughout the pandemic, whilst continuing its innovation. Resonate Testing was awarded Platinum in the Innovate NI Innovation Accreditation programme for its cutting-edge processes that seen the delivery of high-quality live stream testing to global customers, including Réaltra, throughout the global pandemic.