Intertek Acquires Polychemlab from DSM
HOUSTON & GELEEN, Netherlands-- Sept. 4, 2006--Intertek Group Plc ("Intertek") has acquired from Chemelot BV ("Chemelot"), a subsidiary of DSM NV ("DSM"), the Polychemlab operations based in Geleen, Netherlands. Intertek Group plc ("Intertek") is a leading international provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of global and local industries. As part of this agreement, DSM has awarded a 5 year laboratory outsourcing services agreement to Caleb Brett, the Oil, Chemical & Agri Division of Intertek. Polychemlab will be among Intertek's largest laboratory operations in Europe with 175 technical staff transferring from DSM.
Polychemlab is the on-site laboratory for the Chemelot Chemical and Science Park, located between Germany and Belgium and provides a range of technical services to the chemical, polymer and other industries in Europe and further afield. Polychemlab expands Intertek services by introducing new expertise and capabilities in polymer and plastics testing, pilot/prototype polymer processing/manufacturing, on-line analysis, process control, and associated consultancy. Technical services include analytical chemistry for quality control and quality assurance, trouble shooting for process and materials failure analysis and pilot scale processing and manufacturing on a routine and ad hoc basis.
Polychemlab is the main supplier of laboratory support for DSM and Sabic Europe operations at the Chemelot facility, providing quick response services on a 24/7 basis. The laboratory also performs production performance tests on polymers, including pilot plants for blow moulding, cast film extrusion, extrusion coating and blown film. Over one hundred thousand analytical tests are conducted each month at the laboratory.
"Intertek as a new parent company for Polychemlab secures sustainability of the business and the people involved. Within Chemelot the Polychemlab provides a very crucial high quality service to the Chemelot based companies and future expansions. Now as an important part of the international Intertek Group, Polychemlab will be core-business with a very special focus on Europe," said Ger Wagemans, Director of Chemelot.
Intertek's Oil, Chemical & Agri Vice President VP for Analytical Services, Dr Andrew Swift commented, "The Polychemlab agreement with DSM represents a further and very major advance in Intertek's strategic growth in laboratory outsourcing in the chemical industry, extending the range of expertise and services Intertek can provide to some if its key growth markets. We look forward to partnering with DSM and Sabic and in the continued growth and prosperity of the Chemelot manufacturing complex."
About Intertek:
Intertek Group plc is a leading international provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of global and local industries through the provision of independent testing, certification and inspection services. The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE:ITRK). The Intertek Oil, Chemical & Agri division, Caleb Brett, provides 24/7/365 testing and inspection services to the global chemical, petroleum and refining industries. A growing international network of Intertek laboratories serves clients on a global basis. Services include laboratory testing, outsourcing, inspection, R&D and process services. www.intertek.com, www.intertek-cb.com
About Chemelot:
Chemelot is an important chemical production and sciences business park located in Geelen, Netherlands. Companies with operations at Chemelot include DSM, Sabic, and many others. Chemelot offers world-class infrastructure and prime location with excellent transport connections. Chemelot is expanding, driven by new investments in research activities and new start-ups attracted to an innovative open campus. http://.dsm.com/chemelot/_nl/index.htm
About DSM:
DSM is active worldwide in nutritional and pharma ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals. DSM products are used in a wide range of end markets and applications such as human and animal nutrition and health, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive and transport, coatings, housing and electrics & electronics (E&E). The group has annual sales of over EUR 8 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. www.dsm.com
About Polychemlab:
The laboratory was established over 75 years ago to provide on-site support for the DSM Limburg chemical plant complex. Polychemlab has evolved in line with the development and changes in DSM's production portfolio. Main services offered include polymer testing and processing, chemical analysis, on-line systems development & support, and environmental & safety services. Located in a state-of-the-art laboratory building on the boundary of the Chemelot site near Maastricht, Aachen and Liege, Polychemlab is in the very heart of Western Europe and within proximity of the German Ruhrgebiet industrial area. polychemlab.intertek-cb.com/
Contacts
Intertek Oil, Chemical & Agri Division (Caleb Brett)
Erik Holladay,
713-407-3500 (USA),
erik.holladay@intertek.com,
www.intertek-cb.com,
http://polychemlab.intertek-cb.com/
DSM
Gerard van der Zanden,
+31 46 476 4077,
gerard.zanden-van-der@dsm.com,
www.dsm.com
