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

  • Trimble announces key technology developments
    November 7, 2018
    Trimble is expanding its range of machine control technology options for users of graders and excavators with the release of key new releases. One is for the LOADRITE Payload Management system, which can now be utilised on excavators already equipped with the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform. The other systems are new versions of the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform that can be used with graders or deliver automatic guidance for tiltrotators. These are key developments for the firm, boo
  • Innovations are pushing boundaries in the concrete road paving sector
    February 18, 2013
    The concrete road paving market continues to develop - Mike Woof reports Concrete road paving technology continues to evolve, with new equipment and techniques coming to market. Although concrete road construction has been used for many years, problems with early generation technologies affected this market segment. The first concrete roads were constructed in sections, which led to problems at joints but these were addressed many years ago with the advent of slipform paving. Concrete roads constructed in t
  • Innovations in concrete paving offering improved surfaces
    July 17, 2017
    Major innovations in concrete paving systems will offer customers improved surface finishes - Mike Woof writes US manufacturers continue to dominate the concrete paving sector, with German firm Wirtgen being the only exception. A number of Chinese manufacturers have attempted to enter the concrete paving market with compact machines but have so far had little success in tempting customers away from proven brands. The expertise in for the niche segment of concrete paving remains the preserve of a handful
  • CONTROLS Group ramps up R&D at IPC Global
    April 13, 2016
    CONTROLS Group subsidiary IPC Global has ramped up its R&D programme, with plans to release a raft of new machines over the next few years. IPC Global, which was purchased by CONTROLS in 2014, is considered a global leader in dynamic asphalt testing machines, a position which its parent company is keen to maintain. “IPC is a small player with fantastic technologies, unique products and a fantastic reputation. Those qualities have a very high value,” said Andrea Morotti, CONTROLS Group’s business development