UL opens equipment-testing lab in Samut Prakan

UL CEO and president Keith Williams and UL International president Sajeev Jesudas welcomed more than 40 government officials, local industry association representatives and customers to the opening.
“With Asean being a driver of global development today, it is only appropriate and in line with UL’s growth plans to set up an AHVAC laboratory in Thailand,” said Sajeev, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 
“The new facility will open doors for more of our customers to enter global markets, and this is especially crucial for businesses in Asean, who will continue to see rapid growth and internationalization in the coming years.”
Bolstered by world-leading economic growth, demand for AHVAC safety and energy-efficiency-testing services in Southeast Asia has continued to surge over the years, Sajeev said. 
“With its strategic presence in Thailand – the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia – and a highly skilled engineering team, the new laboratory will enable UL customers to gain rapid access to global markets through safer, superior products.”
“Thailand has one of the most robust appliances and HVAC manufacturing bases in ASEAN and is increasingly establishing itself as a leader in this sector,” Williams added. 
“According to a forecast by the World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor, its economic growth is expected to exceed 4 per cent this year – the strongest performance since 2012. With the country’s commitment to sustaining long-term economic expansion, we foresee the demand for global consumer testing services to rise steadily. 
“UL is poised to support this growth and will ensure that our new lab serves as a centre of excellence in serving Thailand and the wider Asean region. Companies looking at exporting to global markets from here, especially the Middle East, Asean and North America, will be well-positioned to achieve their business goals with the establishment of our lab.”
Occupying a 720-square-metre site, the laboratory “provides a comprehensive suite of safety, energy efficiency and performance testing services to ensure that products and services meet global regulatory compliance and inspection standards”, Williams said.
“With faster and more cost-efficient testing processes, key features of the facility include five and 10-tonne test chambers for HVAC products, washing machine testing chambers, as well as testing capabilities for ingress protection, refrigerant leakage, locked rotor, electricals and materials. Accepted product categories include: residential and commercial air conditioners, washing machines, tumbler dryers, refrigerators, freezer and motor compressors.”
UL opened its Thailand office in 2006 and has since expanded facilities and doubled its workforce.
The AHVAC laboratory reflects the organisation’s commitment to deepening its services to companies in the region. 
With offices and facilities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand, UL’s continued expansion will “chart the course for future regional collaboration”, Williams said.