PRESS RELEASE
HALLIWELL EXPANDS FORENSIC MATERIALS SCIENCE CAPABILITY IN APAC WITH ACQUISITION OF EXCELPLAS
Australia’s leading polymer testing laboratory strengthens Halliwell’s APAC offering
AUSTRALIA - JUNE 2026: Multidisciplinary forensic and technical consultancy Halliwell has further strengthened its presence in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region with the acquisition of ExcelPlas, Australia’s leading polymer experts. The addition of ExcelPlas expands the existing suite of specialist services offered by Halliwell APAC, which works with insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and legal firms from risk determination through to loss investigation, restoration, and litigation support.
Founded in 1994 by Dr. John Scheirs in Melbourne, ExcelPlas brings a team of 14 specialists delivering a sophisticated combination of expert consulting and technical analysis that is underpinned by an ISO/NATA certified laboratory testing with a specific focus on polymer materials covering plastics, rubbers, adhesives, sealants, coatings and composites.
ExcelPlas expertise spans high-stakes investigative matters, including failure diagnosis, performance assessment, remaining asset life evaluation and routine testing programs. ExcelPlas delivers a rare combination of advanced analytical equipment and deep technical expertise that serves both regional and global markets.
Following the acquisition, ExcelPlas will continue to operate under its existing brand, led by its founding director Dr. John Scheirs, with a view to transition to the Halliwell brand in due course.
The ExcelPlas acquisition continues a period of expansion for Halliwell in APAC, including the acquisitions of IMPARTA Engineers and du Chateau Chun in Australia last year, and the launch of Halliwell’s services in Malaysia following the opening of a new office in Kuala Lumpur. Across the region. Halliwell offers expertise in forensic & engineering science, construction advisory services, fire science research, fire failure origin and cause, passive fire, building code services, building surveying, quantity surveying, industrial hygiene, and restoration services.
Dr. John Scheirs, Founder and Director of ExcelPlas: “Since founding ExcelPlas in 1994, we have built Australia’s foremost polymer testing and consultancy capability. Becoming part of Halliwell is a natural next step, providing us with the platform and international reach to bring our specialist expertise to a much broader range of clients across the region and beyond.”
Colin Taylor, Managing Director of Halliwell APAC: “The acquisition of ExcelPlas is a compelling addition to our growing multidisciplinary offering in the Asia Pacific region. Their proprietary technology, international laboratory network, and depth of expertise in polymer materials science will enhance our competitive position in forensic materials science. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Scheirs and the ExcelPlas team to the Halliwell group.”
ENDS
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Halliwell
Halliwell APAC is a multidisciplinary technical and forensic consulting platform that works with insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and legal firms from risk determination through to loss investigation, restoration, and litigation support. Learn more at www.halliwell-apac.com
About ExcelPlas
ExcelPlas is Australia’s leading expert consulting, technical analysis, material forensics and polymer testing laboratory to insurers, law firms, engineering firms, and industry. Founded in 1994, ExcelPlas is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Learn more at https://www.excelplas.com/