Intertek leads Mexican manufacturers to international quality and consumer confidence
05 Mar 2009
Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world is expanding its presence in Mexico to meet demand for independent testing, inspection and certification services in the country. Intertek has three new laboratories currently under construction which are due to go live this year, which join six new facilities added in the past 24 months, giving Intertek an infrastructure in Mexico of 20 locations and 500 employees.
More international companies are sourcing goods from Mexico and the monetary value of goods exported from Mexico to world markets has increased by over 50% in the past 5 years1. Companies worldwide continue to change course and move their production facilities and operations to locations that offer optimum cost and production efficiencies. For many American and other foreign companies, Mexico’s geographical proximity to the U.S. has increased the country’s appeal as a production base, in the face of rising transportation and labor costs worldwide.
A greater production of a wider range of goods in Mexico that are destined for international markets along with an increasing global demand for operational projects in Mexico have led to an increase in the need for local and international companies operating in Mexico to have their goods and production processes verified against international quality and other standards.
Michael LeBlanc, Intertek’s General Director in Mexico said “Independent testing, inspection and certification services in Mexico have never been more important than they are now. Local companies need our support to help demonstrate to their international trading partners that their products, processes and operations meet the international standards they demand. Intertek works with local manufacturers around the world and our observation is that Mexico is a cost effective producing nation. It is also a nation whose people have a strong and dedicated work ethic with a commitment to a high level of integrity, quality and providing a top level of service.”
Of the three new Intertek laboratories underway, one is an 110,000 square foot facility in the heart of Mexico City. The facility will provide testing and verification in environmental, metals, textiles, electronics, food, agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum products and oil and gas exploration. Importantly, it will contain a 150-seat auditorium to deliver training courses from Intertek’s full range of services to various industries on Environmental, Management Systems Certification, Consumer Goods, Electrical Safety, Inter-Governmental Trade, Food Services , Industrial Infrastructure and Industrial Petroleum related topics.
Intertek’s investment and comments come ahead of the 8th Annual National Convention of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico, being held in Mexico City on March 10th and 11th.. President Felipe Calderon and other key industry and private sector leaders will attend and address the convention, along with Intertek as an attendee and co-sponsor. The American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico helps advance the high quality workforce and international production standards that exist in Mexico to local and global consumers and manufacturers.
Mark Loughead, Intertek Group plc Chief Operating Officer will also attend the convention and said “Intertek has more than 30 years in Mexico and we believe that Mexico is poised to continue its excellent progress towards being a top 10 player on the world’s trading stage. The present and continuing investment in independent testing, inspection and certification by a globally respected firm, such as Intertek, will be an essential part of that success”.
For information on Intertek’s services in Mexico visit: www.intertek-mexico.com.mx
Notes:
1. Source: Bank of Mexico
Contacts
For further information:
Michael LeBlanc, General Director Intertek Mexico
Tel: +52-55-5091-2150
michael.leblanc@intertek.com
Mark Loughead, Chief Operating Officer, Intertek Group plc
Telephone: +1-713-407-3500
mark.loughead@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 23,000 people in 110 countries around the world.