Armstrong achieves asphalt diploma

A laboratory manager from bitumen specialist Nynas is the company’s first employee to complete a diploma in asphalt technology.

Steve Armstrong (pictured), who heads up the firm’s quality control department at Eastham, achieved the qualification through the University of Derby and the Institute of Asphalt Technology this spring.

Armstrong is the first person at Nynas to sit the examination. He said: “I am delighted to have completed the diploma which both recognises my existing asphalt engineering capabilities and has taught me more about plant, contract law and business management. My role is to make sure that the special products we produce such as polymer modified binders and emulsions used in surface dressings are suitable for distribution and meet both the technical specifications and high standards expected of the company.”

Nynas UK technical manager Ian Lancaster added: “His success demonstrates our commitment as a company that our staff become as well qualified as possible. Steve is the first to achieve this diploma but he probably won’t be the last.

“We have a ring fenced budget for training and professional development which we are making full use of. It is important for Nynas and its employees to fully understand asphalt at every level; from mixing and paving to end performance so we can design the right binder to suit a particular application.”

By Alec Peachey