BILBAO, SPAIN - Intertek, a provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, is building a new and expanded laboratory complex in the port area of Bilbao, Spain. The new laboratory is expected to open in the Fall of 2010.

The new laboratory will house the Intertek Bilbao Technology Center (BTC). Intertek BTC has been providing testing, inspection and certification for Spain and the world for more than 30 years.

New and enhanced testing capabilities will include testing of liquid fuels and gases, including biofuels, ethanol, biomass and biogas fuels, and environmental testing of contaminated water and soil. The new laboratory fits into the strategic vision of the Basque government’s Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (PCTI, Plan de Ciencia y Tecnología e Innovación).

Ben Fontan, general manager for Spain, says, “The new Intertek laboratory will be positioned to support Spanish and European renewable energy directives, the biofuels industry, and provide biofuel research and development expertise.”

Jay Gutierrez, division executive vice president for oil, chemical & agri and government services, says, “Intertek Spain is an important part of Intertek’s growing global biofuels and biomass testing and inspection network. This expansion of our biofuel testing capabilities in Spain is part of Intertek’s commitment to the Spanish and European energy industry.”