Our History
Evolution driven by innovation.
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team around 100,000 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Established in 1878, SGS transformed grain trading in Europe by offering innovative agricultural inspection services. The Company was registered in Geneva as Société Générale de Surveillance in 1919. Shares were first listed on (SWX) Swiss Exchange in 1985. From humble beginnings as a grain inspection house on the docks of 1870’s Rouen to the world-leading testing, inspection and certification company of today. The evolution of SGS is driven by innovation, expertise and an ambition to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.
A history of SGS in North America
1991
CT&E Alaska
Conventional Testing
AK • USA
CT&E began in 1964 as Chemical & Geological Laboratories of Alaska (remembered by some as Chem Lab). The primary emphasis was servicing the needs of the Cook Inlet oil fields, but by 1974 the vision of Chem Lab expanded. Diversified analytical tests and scientific personnel were added, and it turned out to be a success.
Chem Lab was the first laboratory to be certified by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. The company was acquired in 1990 by Commercial Testing & Engineering Co. (CT&E), a member of the Societe Generale de Surveillance Group (SGS). This brought the resources for growth on a national level.
2002
Lakefield Research
Conventional Testing
ON • Canada
Lakefield Research, is a Canadian world leader in providing testing and research services in metallurgical, environmental and mineralogical fields to the minerals and metal industries.
Lakefield Research was acquired by SGS SA in 2002, and the Lakefield facility is now a center of excellence within SGS’s global network.
2005
Paradigm Analytical
Specialty Testing
NC • USA
SGS acquired Paradigm Analytical in Wilmington, NC to consolidate its position in the US environmental testing market. In 2012, Analytical Perspectives, a leader in high-end specialized environmental testing and also in Wilmington, NC was acquired.
The combined operations further enhanced SGS’s presence in the US market and positioned the company for future growth. Today, the Wilmington lab is a specialty lab within the SGS network focused on high resolution ultratrace analyses.
2014
Galson Laboratories
Industrial Hygiene Testing
NY • USA
Galson Laboratories was founded in 1970 by Allen Galson. Allen recognized the need for industrial hygiene services to help industry manage environmental and occupational health risks, so he assembled a team of chemists to help companies comply with the new Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) and emerging environmental legislation.
The company grew steadily, responding to the increased regulatory requirements with new technologies and methods to meet the more stringent standards. At the end of 1996, Joe Unangst, who directed the laboratory operations at the time, purchased the Galson laboratory operations. Joe focused the company on client service, continuous improvement process and on developing innovative programs to meet clients’ needs, all which contributed to the continued success and growth of the company.
2016
Accutest Laboratories
Conventional Testing
USA
Accutest Laboratories is a full-service environmental testing laboratory that provided a wide range of testing services to industrial, engineering/consulting, and government clients throughout the United States.
Founded in 1956 and is headquartered in Dayton, New Jersey. Accutest’s operations will enhance SGS’s footprint in the United States, adding over 600 highly skilled employees, a significant client portfolio and a national network of laboratories and customer service centers that spans multiple states.
2016
AXYS Analytical Services Ltd.
Specialty Testing
BC • Canada
AXYS is the North American leader in ultra trace analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) and the early development stages of the fast growing metabolomics business.
AXYS holds multiple analysis and matrix accreditations with American (NELAC) and Canadian (CALA) national bodies and is ISO 17025 accredited. It provides analytical testing services to research organizations, regulatory bodies, consultants and industry. Founded in 1974 and privately owned, it employs around 100 experts.
2019
Forensic Analytical Laboratories Inc.
Built Environment
CA, NV, IL • USA
Established in 1986 and headquartered in the Bay Area, CA (USA), FALI is one of the leading providers of industrial hygiene, mold, bacteria, metals, particles, contamination control and asbestos & fibers testing on the US West Coast.
With locations in Hayward (CA), Los Angeles (CA) and Las Vegas (NV), FALI holds numerous accreditations including AIHA, serving clients in both public and private sectors, including consultants, engineering groups and governmental organizations. The company employs approximately 52 skilled experts..
2022
Silver State Analytical Laboratories
Conventional Testing
NV, CA • USA
Founded in 1997, with facilities in Las Vegas, Reno and Elko, Nevada and Rocklin, California, SSAL/ELI are regionally recognized environmental testing laboratories serving companies and government agencies across the western USA for their water and soil needs.
They provide quality analytical and microbiological testing (certified and independent) and support services for clients in the environmental, water, utility, engineering, construction, food processing, chemical, mining, healthcare, resort and hospitality industries. The company employs 45 highly skilled staff.
2024
Katahdin Analytical Services
Environmental Testing
ME • USA
Located in Maine, Katahdin is an industry leader in New England, offering full DoD-certified capabilities, including PFAS testing, incremental sampling methodology (ISM), and explosives testing. Katahdin becomes the 19th facility in the SGS environmental lab network and its seventh with PFAS testing capabilities. SGS offers extensive PFAS analysis services, including methods 1633, 537.1, and 533, to help clients address this growing environmental concern.
With the addition of Katahdin, SGS expands its comprehensive environmental testing network, enhancing its ability to deliver critical services across multiple sectors. This strengthens SGS’s position as a trusted leader in environmental analysis, offering advanced testing solutions to meet the evolving regulatory and environmental challenges across North America.
2024
AMA Analytical Services
Environmental Testing
MD • USA
AMA Analytical Services is an environmental laboratory specializing in electron and optical microscopy as well as lead and microbial analysis. AMA has been serving Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area since 1985.
Headquartered in Lanham, Maryland, AMA provides the highest quality precision analyses and reliable, cost-effective services to the government, industrial, institutional, and commercial sectors. AMA has tailored its offerings to be able to serve customers of all types. The laboratory receives samples from Maryland, Virginia, the D.C. region, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Puerto Rico.
2025
RTI Laboratories
Materials Testing
MI • USA
We are pleased to announce that RTI Laboratories has officially joined SGS. Located in Detroit, Michigan, RTI brings decades of expertise in environmental testing, including PFAS analysis, with certifications from both commercial and Federal DoD standards.
With this acquisition, RTI becomes our eighth PFAS and fifth DoD-certified laboratory, providing increased capacity and localized support with PFAS testing for both environmental and materials samples. RTI’s materials testing laboratory expands our portfolio with capabilities such as metallurgical testing, alloy chemistry, failure analysis, EDTA, ISM and more. Additionally, this expands SGS’s microplastics analysis capabilities for both environmental and materials testing, enhancing our ability to support clients in addressing emerging contaminants.
2024
Beta Analytic
Carbon-14 Testing
FL • USA
SGS North America (SGS) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Beta Analytic, a global leader in Carbon-14 age dating and Biobased/Biogenic Product Validation. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and operating in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Beta Analytic provides a unique solution for validating sustainability claims as industries increasingly shift toward bio-based alternatives. With key accreditations and deep industry expertise, this acquisition aligns with SGS’s strategy to drive sustainable innovation and reinforces its commitment to expanding its presence across North America.
The acquisition opens up exciting new opportunities for Beta Analytic to enhance our environmental testing solutions, particularly in Carbon-14 testing. With SGS’s resources and commitment to quality, we’ve found the perfect partner to drive sustainable innovation and deliver even greater value to our clients,” said Thierry Sam Tamers, Chairman, Beta Analytic. “I look forward to this new chapter and all that we can achieve together as part of the SGS network.
