UL acquires Brazil’s Testtech UL acquires Brazil’s Testtech

Northbrook-based Underwriters Laboratories said it has acquired Testtech Laboratorios, a Brazil-based electrical safety and energy efficiency testing laboratory that is relied upon by many of the world’s leading appliance manufacturers. Terms of the acquisition were not announced.

The addition positions UL as a single source of the appliance certification, testing and follow-up services needed to access the Brazilian market, the company said in a release.

Testtech is accredited to test appliances to Brazil’s INMETRO regulatory safety standards, to which product certification is required for sale in Brazil. INMETRO certification can only be obtained by products tested at an INMETRO accredited laboratory within Brazil or at an ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) accredited laboratory outside of Brazil.

“We are thrilled to add Testtech’s high caliber team and robust appliance testing laboratory,” said Ben Miller, president of UL’s Product Safety unit. “Together, we can fully serve global appliance manufacturers seeking access to Brazil, and Brazilian manufacturers seeking access to the rest of the world.”

Testtech’s Pôrto Alegre laboratory will begin expansion of facility and staff, with completion expected later this year.

“As a longtime service partner of UL, we look forward to integrating our people and our offering with familiar colleagues,” said Álvaro Medeiros de Farias Theisen, director of Testtech. “Uniting with UL will directly benefit all of our valued stakeholders, most importantly our customers, our team and the appliance industry.”

In addition to electrical safety testing, Testtech provides energy efficiency performance testing for appliances and lighting products. Testtech is an accredited provider of the Brazil’s PBE energy efficiency labeling program, which is expected to become mandatory next year.