SGS is pleased to announce the acquisition of the chemical characterisation business and its assets, formerly run by LGC . The laboratory is well-equipped in the areas of inorganic analysis, spectroscopy and thermal analysis for fuels, polymers and catalysts and provides SGS with additional analytical testing capabilities.

The OGC (Oil, Gas and Chemicals) services from SGS are now able to complement existing routine testing services with non-routine analysis and method development. With a new team of eight highly specialised personnel reporting to Paul Parkinson, SGS Analytical Services Manager, SGS can now extend the service provided to include investigative reports to client specifications using complex analytical testing methods.

The new team will continue to operate at their existing laboratory facilities in Runcorn until early 2011, when the move to a purpose built facility on SGS' Ellesmere Port site will be completed. The newly acquired analytical equipment which enables SGS to provide an analysis of fuels, polymers and catalysts, includes:

• ICP-MS, providing lower limits of detection for metals and analyse speciation
• XRF, providing rapid elemental analysis of petroleum products to improved detection limit -  both energy dispersive and wavelength dispersive
• Thermal Analysis, enabling the characterisation of polymers and fuel additives
• Gel Permeation Chromatography for polymer characterisation, according to size and shape

This acquisition follows the recent move of SGS Vernolab UK to a new purpose built facility on the Ellesmere Port site. "The combination of these two investments will greatly enhance and broaden our services to our customers in the UK and Europe," commented Chris Kirk, CEO of SGS.   

About SGS
The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognised as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With more than 64,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,250 offices and laboratories around the world.

For further information please visit www.sgs.com