David Blye, Longtime Lab News Author, Retires
After 32 years of dedicated service, David Blye recently retired from his full-time position at Environmental Standards. In his role, David has authored the Lab News column since its inception. As he closes out his tenure working part-time on select projects, David has also written his final installment of Lab News for this issue of The Standard.
As a Senior Principal Chemist and environmental subject-matter expert, David has contributed many articles to The Standard over the years across a range of topics, generously sharing his experience and expertise. David will be missed not only as a contributor to our newsletter but also as a respected, knowledgeable, and trusted colleague and friend.
SGS Acquires RTI Laboratories
On January 20, 2025, SGS announced its agreement to acquire RTI Laboratories, a provider of environmental and materials testing services based in Detroit, Michigan. The acquisition expands SGS’s footprint in North America and adds 30 employees. “The acquisition of RTI is a key step in executing Strategy 27. It strengthens SGS’s position as a leader in PFAS analysis, becoming our eighth PFAS and fifth Department of Defense-certified laboratory, while expanding capacity and support for clients in the Midwest,” said Marcus Maguire, Head of Environment, Health and Safety at SGS North America.
The acquisition enhances SGS’s material testing capabilities, adding metallurgical testing, alloy chemistry, failure analysis, and paint and coating evaluations to its network in the Midwest. “This expansion provides SGS clients with broader testing options and a local presence in Michigan, complete with pickup and courier services,” added Maguire.
Update on ALS Limited’s Acquisition of York Analytical
It’s been a little over a year since York Analytical Laboratories, Inc. (York Analytical) was acquired by ALS Limited (ALS), and a few weeks ago, York Analytical completed its full integration into ALS’s Environmental business across the USA.
The acquisition of York Analytical added four laboratories and four service centers across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for ALS. As part of the deal, ALS retained York’s 200+ employees, including its senior staff.
When the acquisition was originally announced in March 2024, Malcolm Deane, CEO and Managing Director of ALS stated, “The acquisition of York Analytical enables us to grow quickly in the fast-emerging northeast U.S. environmental marketplace, where there continues to be significant investment in major infrastructure programs and widespread PFAS contamination issues.”
More recently, Michael Beckerich, President of York Analytical provided an update on the ALS transition. “Although the name York Analytical will be changing, the people, culture and the sense of urgency you have come to know from us will continue. Continuity is a critical part of successful teams and a big focus for me as we thoughtfully worked through the best approach for the future.”
Looking ahead, Beckerich added, “Thank you for putting your trust in us. We look forward to an exciting future serving all your environmental testing needs alongside our 900+ ALS environmental staff in 35 facilities across the country.”
David Blye, CEAC
Senior Principal Chemist
