Gloucester-based AIS has secured funding to make a move into the automotive battery testing industry.

The firm - based at Quedgeley West Business Park - says manufacturers face the challenge of batteries undergoing 'thermal runaway' - a fast, violent and self-accelerating chemical reaction which results in a release of gas and heat, causing temperatures to soar up to 1300°C.

AIS sees this as playing to its strengths, offering an opportunity to capitalise on its passive fire protection and product development expertise and diversify into an emerging and expanding market.

Simon Jones, AIS research and development manager, said: "There is a huge gap in the market for a company with testing capability combined with passive fire protection knowledge and associated product development.

"Providing battery testing during the development of our products gives AIS opportunity to learn about our customer's challenges and create products that resolve these issues."

Over the last year the firm has obtained funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) to support Jaguar Land Rover in the design of their next generation battery, on a project called ASTIR - 'Advanced Technology into Reality'.

This project, as part of a consortium of partners (including Siemens, AVL, and Warwick University), will provide matched funding for AIS to develop anti-propagation materials and products, and to develop its testing capability and facility.

Over the coming months, the firm is installing a containerised test facility that will increase its testing capacity and the support it is able to offer to customers.

The firm changed its name from Advanced Insulation Systems to Advanced Innergy Solutions or simply AIS after a brand review in the summer to reflect its new position and offering to the energy market.

AIS said they have always provided advanced solutions for its customers and the addition of the word 'Innergy' captured the innovative nature of its products and solutions for the energy sector.