Global giant Intertek opens textile, apparel testing laboratory in Sri Lanka

Saturday, 8 February 2014 04:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, has expanded its textile and apparel presence in Sri Lanka with the inauguration yesterday of an ISO 17025-approved textiles and apparel testing laboratory in Battaramulla to serve the country’s nearly US$ 4 billion apparel export industry. “The Sri Lanka textile and apparel lab brings the total number of Intertek textile and apparel labs to 47 and provides local

manufacturers who serve global brands and retailers a convenient local testing solution, as well as unparalleled knowledge and expertise on global regulations and trends affecting the apparel and garment industry,” said Intertek’s Group CFO and COO for South Asia, Lloyd Pitchford. “Sri Lanka is a focus country for Intertek as we can now provide a wide range of services in-country to help manufacturers to maximise their revenue potential by delivering time and cost savings. This local testing capability is a significant advantage for Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel export industry,” said Rajesh Saigal, Regional Managing Director, South Asia at the inauguration of the lab. The Chief Guest at the opening was Deputy Minister for Investment Promotion Faiszer Mustapha, while the Guest of Honour was British High Commissioner Dr. John Rankin. Intertek Lanka is a Joint Venture between Intertek Overseas Holding Ltd. of UK and MMBL-Pathfinder Group of Companies, whose founder is Milinda Moragoda of Sri Lanka; the Board comprises Lloyd Pitchford, Rajesh Saigal, Manish Kumar, Neiliya Perera, J. Moragoda and K. Balasundaram. Intertek’s Sri Lanka textile and apparel testing lab employs 150 people and is equipped with the latest physical and analytical testing machinery to offer almost the full range of physical and ecological tests frequently required by customers, including physical testing to identify and analyze physical properties of textiles, fibres and garments such as fibre content , feather and

down, flammability testing, care label instructions, performance testing, etc., as well as analytical and chemical testing for textiles, garments and apparel in order to detect harmful substances and ensure compliance with various state, federal and global regulations, etc. Intertek also provides various technical training and consultation services to increase the acceptability of products. Intertek looks forward to servicing Sri Lanka’s apparel, agriculture, petroleum, fertiliser and food sectors through its local operations, under the expert guidance of Country Head Manish Kumar. Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 36,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide.