Skip to main content

CONTROLS reaches 50th anniversary and launches new technology

Testing equipment specialist CONTROLS Group is celebrating its 50 years of supplying testing technology for the civil engineering industry. Controls was founded in October 1968 by Umberto Granelli who is still operative today. What started as a business pioneering the development of compression machines has developed into a leader in testing equipment for the Construction Industry. Pasquale Di Iorio, CONTROLS Group’s president and shareholder and CEO from 1996 to 2017 said, “We want to mark this 50th Anni
August 10, 2018 Read time: 3 mins
CONTROLS offers a wide array of testing solutions
Testing equipment specialist CONTROLS Group is celebrating its 50 years of supplying testing technology for the civil engineering industry.


2139 Controls was founded in October 1968 by Umberto Granelli who is still operative today. What started as a business pioneering the development of compression machines has developed into a leader in testing equipment for the Construction Industry.

Pasquale Di Iorio, CONTROLS Group’s president and shareholder and CEO from 1996 to 2017 said, “We want to mark this 50th Anniversary year by celebrating our achievements with all our stakeholders, all of whom we value extremely highly and are very proud of.”

The firm has continued to innovate, recently launching its new AUTOMAX Multitest system. This unit is a versatile and modular automatic computerised control console for concrete, cement and steel rebar testing.

The firm introduced its first AUTOMAX for standard compression and flexure tests in 2000. This was followed by later versions, the AUTOMAX E-Modulus and UTM models for elastic modulus determination and steel tensile tests. The new AUTOMAX Multitest provides increased versatility offering step-by-step flexibility to upgrade your system to cover all your future testing needs, including demanding displacement controlled tests on fibre reinforced concrete (FRC).

Up to four different testing frames can be controlled with accessories and dedicated software packages from the wide range available. The AUTOMAX Multitest system can perform many tests including compression, flexural, cyclic modulus of elasticity and Poisson Ratio, steel tensile tests and displacement controlled FRC tests. The interface and dedicated software packages can work with specific test profiles and are matched to all the main standards. This is said to make it easy to perform advanced tests, following step-by-step instructions with minimal training improving repeatability, reducing variability and delivering accurate results. The modular and flexible AUTOMAX Multitest is aimed at private and industrial laboratories performing quality certification testing. It will also suit duties with construction site laboratories looking for a high-performing system that can grow with them over time, allowing them to manage budgets and giving all the flexibility they could need. Meanwhile, the new IMACS2 is the
second generation Integrated Multi-Axis Control system. This benefits from the latest UTS Neutron universal testing software, which is said to be versatile and powerful. The package allows users the power to perform testing without limits or keep things simple for QC use.

In addition, IPC Global, the advanced pavements testing systems division of CONTROLS Group is said to be breaking boundaries with new hardware and software. This allows users to achieve high-performance testing. The IMACS2 and UTS Neutron systems have been developed from the proven IMACS and UTS software, providing increased capabilities.

The package is said to deliver high technical specifications, efficient control and wave-shape fidelity. Benefits include flexibility from the modular and expandable configurations, safety from the plug-and-play TEDs automatic tranducer recognition and ease of use with either remote PC or local control from the colour LCD display.

The UTS Nutron system is “As easy as you want or, as complex as you need”, according to the company. This has been developed from the proven UTS plaftform and facilitates needs that include basic, efficient, foolproof QC testing for laboratory staff; the ability to modify existing tests for laboratory managers; and the flexibility to program a wide array of testing needs from scratch.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Innovative compaction advances
    July 23, 2024

    Innovative asphalt compaction machines are now being introduced by several of the major manufacturers, with solutions offering improved working efficiency and performance.

    Three of the most innovative developments for asphalt rollers come from Dynapac, BOMAG and Hamm, although new asphalt compactors are also being introduced by other firms such as Ammann and Caterpillar.

  • CONTROLS widens capabilities for asphalt testing
    March 3, 2016
    The CONTROLS Group is widening its array of asphalt testing technologies. New from the Group is the PAVELAB50. This has been developed by the PAVELAB SYSTEMS division and is an automatic closed loop system for the separation and extraction of bitumen, filler and aggregates asphalt samples. This uses solvents, according to ASTM D2172 and EN 12697-1. The test methods are used for measuring bitumen in hot-mixed paving mixtures and paving samples for specification acceptance, service evaluation, control and res
  • CONTROLS widens capabilities for asphalt testing
    January 6, 2017
    The CONTROLS Group is widening its array of asphalt testing technologies. New from the Group is the PAVELAB50. This has been developed by the PAVELAB SYSTEMS division and is an automatic closed loop system for the separation and extraction of bitumen, filler and aggregates asphalt samples. This uses solvents, according to ASTM D2172 and EN 12697-1. The test methods are used for measuring bitumen in hot-mixed paving mixtures and paving samples for specification acceptance, service evaluation, control and res
  • Sophisticated software solutions offering surveying innovation and construction efficiency
    August 28, 2014
    An array of new software tools will deliver greater efficiencies to construction companies – Mike Woof writes. Sophisticated software systems are delivering advanced solutions to traditional construction tasks. Key developments have been made by major players in the sector, such as Bentley Systems, Fugro Roadware, Leica Geosystems and Topcon Sokkia. From Bentley comes a new package that will help road construction activities in urban areas featuring a heavy concentration of underground utilities. This n