Argyll Ruane celebrates 40 years
11/08/2025
2025 marks 40 years of Argyll Ruane’s journey in providing world-class non-destructive testing (NDT), coatings and corrosion training, examinations and consultancy services. From humble beginnings in 1985, the company has grown into a global leader in its field, shaping the industry with a strong commitment to excellence and innovation.
Founded as Ruane Technical Services in Yorkshire, England, Argyll Ruane’s ethos was simple: ‘A professional service by professional people’. The company started by offering NDT training as Ruane & T P O’Neill and examinations as the Northern Test Centre. By 1992, the company had opened a second centre in Rotherham and partnered with the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) to deliver corrosion prevention training, marking its entry into the coatings industry.
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| Argyll Ruane is celebrating 40 years of offering world-class NDT training, examination and consultancy services |
In 1997, Argyll Ruane took its first step onto the global stage with the opening of its first Authorised Examination Centre (AEC) in Malaysia. This expansion allowed the company to offer NDT training and examinations to the Asian market. By 1998, the company rebranded to Argyll-Ruane Limited to solidify its global identity. In 1999, the company established its first Level 3 Consultancy Services department, which quickly became highly regarded for its expertise and professionalism across multiple engineering sectors worldwide.
In 2012, Argyll Ruane was acquired by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), further expanding its influence. In 2013, the company launched advanced ultrasonic testing courses, such as phased array and time-of-flight diffraction, adding innovative techniques to its growing portfolio. By 2015, Argyll Ruane had moved to a state-of-the-art Engineering Training Centre in Sheffield, rebranding as Engineering Training Solutions and later as IMechE Argyll Ruane. It also became an approved learning provider for the Ministry of Defence’s Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme.
In 2019, the company became one of the first UK training schools to implement online PCN examinations, followed by the launch of online coatings inspection courses approved by ICorr. The global pandemic in 2020 accelerated the move to digital, with the launch of an online training platform for Level 3 and blended Level 2 NDT courses. In 2021, Argyll Ruane opened a new training centre in Dunfermline, expanding its reach in Scotland.
In 2023, Argyll Ruane entered a new chapter with the introduction of a dynamic senior leadership team, bringing fresh direction and continued growth. In 2024, members of the management team acquired IMechE Argyll Ruane, returning the company to its roots with the reinstatement of the Argyll Ruane name, setting the stage for the next chapter of growth and
innovation.
Now, in 2025, Argyll Ruane is celebrating four decades of success, with over 114,500 NDT and ICorr examinations administered, a global presence in over 14 countries and a dedicated team of 29 professionals. The company remains well positioned for the future, continuing to support the NDT and coatings industries with world-class training and consultancy services.
To mark the occasion, Argyll Ruane is launching a special giveaway, where participants could win one of four fantastic prizes! Visit the website for further information.
Argyll Ruane delivers professional, high-quality services to promote and improve the industry by developing well-trained, highly competent professionals and supporting them and their employers throughout their careers.
The company works with organisations of all sizes, from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinationals, as well as self-sponsored individuals, around the world.
