CHESTERFIELD, ENGLAND (Aug. 9, 1 p.m. ET) — The Network Group for Composites in Construction (NGCC) has opened up its membership to companies around the world.

Headquartered in Chesterfield, NGCC was founded 12 years ago to promote best practice of the use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) in construction applications.

It currently numbers 70 members, including several top rank universities as well as composite companies including Gurit and DSM Composite Resins.

Sue Halliwell, the NGCC’s coordinator, said the global recruitment drive followed her organization noticing an growing number of overseas companies getting in touch.

“We realized there was a need for us to expand our membership, supplying information to the construction industry about FRPs on a wider scale,” she said.

NGCC forms working groups from within the membership and wider industry to tackle industry issues, she said.

One such group is currently drafting design guidance for UK FRP bridge engineers, aiming to increase confidence in such an application of the material and enable the technology to be further exploited in the sector.

Claire Whysall, the NGCC’s event and network coordinator, said: “Many of the membership opportunities are just as relevant to companies overseas as they are to those based in the UK.

“Overseas companies are encouraged to join the group and work with us to develop the support they need in their country.