Serving multiple industries across the United States and internationally as an independent testing laboratory, Wisconsin-based IPS Testing has announced a major expansion at its Appleton headquarters as a result of continued business growth. The company—specializing in physical and analytical testing as well as interpretive data analysis for everything from paper products to nonwovens, medical supplies and food packaging—is planning a 4,000 square-foot addition to its current facilities.

The expansion, which will add 20%  more physical testing and warehouse space, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Over the last three years, IPS Testing says it has experienced a 60% increase in business through existing clients who require additional testing and new ones looking for services to meet more stringent regulatory, quality and sustainability standards. The company is also set to expand into new testing services, including product flushability and toy safety tests.

Bruce Shafer, president of IPS Testing, says the expansion will address three main objectives: creating more lab space for current tests; adding capacity to expand into new testing areas with the appropriate equipment; and maximizing overall efficiency. He explains that the rise in demand for services has also resulted in the need to increase manpower. “Since 2007, our staff has grown by more than 50%, from 40 people to more than 60,” he says. “This facility addition will provide new, much-needed space to complete the wide range of tests we now offer and it will strengthen our efficiency even further.”

Plans for space within the new addition also include a larger paper and pulp testing laboratory, a service that has grown significantly in terms of multi-purpose testing. Today, the company offers a series of individual tests in this area, including absorption, aging, brightness, color and repulpability.

Receiving ISO-17025 accreditation in May 2012, IPS Testing is also generating new business as a result of the recent emphasis on product and material testing. As Chris Reitmeyer, vice president of IPS Testing, explains, “Our customers are complying with stricter requirements than ever before. They are addressing increased regulation from government agencies, a greater push toward sustainability and a real need for quality control when it comes to globally sourced products.”