Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has purchased a plastics testing lab in Krefeld, Germany, from Bayer MaterialScience AG for an undisclosed sum.
The deal will allow Northbrook-based UL to expand its services in the plastics market, according to Bill Colavecchio, vice president and general manager of UL's chemicals division.
UL previously had worked with Bayer on some projects at the lab, known as Bayer's thermoplastics testing center. The lab covers 69,000 square feet and employs 65, all of whom will be retained. UL will continue to do work for Bayer at the site, but now will test materials for other plastics firms as well, Colavecchio said in a recent interview.
Most of the lab's work has focused on polycarbonate. That now will be expanded to include nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate and other resins, Colavecchio said. UL also may invest in new injection molding equipment at the site, he said.
The lab includes more than 100 pieces of testing equipment. About 200 different types of tests can be performed at the lab, which also can produce resin granules and test pieces.
