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Intertek has opened a new purpose-built petroleum laboratory in Takoradi Port, Ghana.

The new laboratory is a modern facility, staffed with experienced chemists, testing to industry standards such as ASTM. The Takoradi facility will test and inspect a wide range of crude oil and refined petroleum products, including marine fuel, lube oils, diesel, gasoline, etc.

Additional expansion of petroleum related testing capabilities at the laboratory are expected in the coming year. Intertek Ghana also has plans to set up a metering and calibration service in the first quarter of 2012, serving the oil and gas industry in Ghana and the region.

Commenting on its decision to launch a laboratory in Takoradi, Intertek said: "The growth of Ghana’s petroleum industry in the Takoradi region has increased market demand for independent petroleum industry testing, inspection and calibration services offered by Intertek."

Augustin Bogoloh, Regional Manager for Commodities in Ghana and French West Africa, said: "We are proud of this new facility in Takoradi and are committed to supporting our clients as they expand their petroleum operations in the area. For the Takoradi project, we listened to our customer’s developing needs and delivered an on-target service solution. Intertek has been providing testing and inspection services in Ghana since 1984 and currently employs more than 120 Ghanaians and expatriates in its operations across Ghana. Intertek is committed to transferring specialized skills and training to local employees, and to growing our business in support of Ghana’s downstream and upstream petroleum industries."

Jay Gutierrez, Executive Vice President of Intertek’s Commodities division, said: "Our expansion of petroleum industry services into the Takoradi region enhances our existing business in Ghana and is a key element in our local growth strategy. Intertek is committed to the continued expansion of our services in Ghana, neighboring countries, and in the continent of Africa."