Agreement transfers all laboratory activities from Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg (WBL) to Intertek's Analytical Technology Centre, Polychemlab, in Geleen, near Maastricht
All staff and equipment of the former WBL laboratory will transfer to Intertek Polychemlab and Intertek will provide all analytical services to WBL for a minimum period of five years.
The laboratory unit is charged with the preparation, performance and reporting of laboratory investigations for water quality management within the Limburg water authorities and the other environmental branches of the Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg.
"This is a new and exciting development for the water boards in Holland.
"By carrying out initiatives such as these, we reduce costs and tariff increases to citizens can be minimised," said Jan Schrijen, chairman of Water Board Roer en Overmaas and chairman of the board of WBL.
"By contracting with Intertek, we succeed in securing employment and retaining knowledge on environmental laboratory activities in the Limburg province," said Henk van Alderwegen, chairman of the Water Board Peel and Maasvallei.
Intertek Polychemlab will also provide extended analytical testing and consultancy services to the wider market place in areas of environmental science, regulation and complex analysis of silt, soil and water, using the latest state-of-the-art analytical laboratory equipment.
"This partnership represents a significant step for Intertek's strategic growth in laboratory outsourcing and analytical services support for industry.
"This contract serves as an excellent model towards establishing further public and private sector partnerships in analysis and testing in Europe, as well as presenting exciting new career opportunities for the transferring employees," said Andrew Swift, global analytical services director for Intertek.
