Armadillo Metal Coatings, part of UAP Ltd, has appointed its Founder Dr. Alex Neilsen as Managing Director.

Nielsen replaces Nicola John, also Managing Director of FDM by UAP Ltd, following the company’s acquisition by Allegion. John leaves the role to focus on FDM’s continued growth, building on the success of the UK’s first practical training centre for the fire door industry, launched in 2024 and already training more than 1,200 professionals, alongside the planned opening of a new facility in partnership with the Fire Protection Association (FPA) in January 2026.

Founded by Neilsen in 2017, Armadillo, which UAP acquired in December 2024, specialises in advanced coating technologies designed to enhance durability and hygiene across healthcare, commercial, residential environments, and more. Neilsen is the driving force behind UAP’s Armasmart, the industry’s first hardware range that eliminates >99% of viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19, E. Coli and S. Aureus (e.g. MRSA). The patented technology also prevents corrosion and tarnishing, offering a cleaner, safer, and longer-lasting solution.

With a focus on scaling production to meet the growing demand for safer materials, enabling cleaner, more resilient spaces, Nielsen is leading Armasmart’s extension beyond door hardware into ceramics, ventilation, and anti-mould surfaces. This includes anti-fouling additives for paint, wallpapers, and grouting, materials aimed at tackling hazardous mould and bacteria growth in social housing and construction following recent UK regulatory changes.

Neilsen said: “Leading Armadillo provides an opportunity to build on the foundations we established and take our innovations further. With the backing of UAP and Allegion, we’re focused on scaling production and expanding Armasmart into new materials and markets to deliver smarter, longer-lasting surface technologies for real-world applications.”

David Jennings, CEO of UAP Ltd, added: “Dr Alex’s appointment as Managing Director reflects our commitment to driving progress across the UAP Group. With his leadership, we’re well positioned to scale Armadillo’s production and extend its technology to a wider range of applications.”