23 Oct 2009

Canadian building product manufacturers have options to save time and money through local testing.

Chicago, IL - Intertek (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, today announced it has expanded its testing capabilities in eastern Canada (Mississauga, Ontario) to include high-velocity, hurricane-zone testing. This testing is a requirement for building product manufacturers who wish to sell products in the Miami-Dade County and coastal area markets of South Florida. Canadian manufactures can now chose to have products such as of doors, windows, hardware, roofing, wall systems, sunrooms and cladding tested locally, rather than shipping products to the U.S., reducing testing costs and speeding time to market.

Because of changing environmental conditions and greater storm frequency, high-velocity, hurricane-zone testing is becoming widely recognized in the maritime regions from the Atlantic Seaboard across to the Gulf of Mexico. The high cost of insuring buildings in coastal areas is influencing code officials and home owners to request this type of testing, ensuring products are capable of withstanding severe windborne debris, temperature fluxuations, and pressure changes that are induced during high wind-zone events.

“This expansion greatly enhances our clients’ efficiency and reduces their time to market,” said Deg Priest, Sr. Global Director of Operations, Intertek. “Being the only certification body in Canada to offer testing for Miami-Dade County certification, it is critical that we simplify the process for manufacturers who want to sell their products in Florida.”

Intertek’s testing solutions for Miami-Dade County range from wind uplift and roof classification testing, to structural testing including, missile impact, pressure cycling, static wind loading, weathering, combustion and more.

Intertek offers the WH Listed Mark as proof of compliance to the requirements of applicable CSA standards, The Alberta Building Code Part 10, The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and other provincial codes as required. Intertek’s WH Mark is already one of the most recognized marks for building materials and systems in Canada and reflects commitment to product safety to inspectors, builders and end users.

For more information contact 1-800-WORLDLAB or email icenter@intertek.com.

Contacts
For further information, please contact
Nicole Kimmick, Field Marketing Manager
Telephone: +1-978-635-8550
Nicole.kimmick@intertek.com


About Intertek
Intertek 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 more than 100 countries around the world.

For further information, visit www.intertek.com