GURGAON, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to a wide range of industries worldwide added a new feather to its cap with the launch of a state-of-the-art technology footwear testing laboratory in Gurgaon. The new facility will provide a complete spectrum of footwear testing services to prepare footwear manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, retail chain stores, importers, fashion designers and fashion labels to meet quality standards in diverse markets.

Intertek consumer labs around the globe currently test footwear for all ages and types, from conventional shoes to slippers, sportswear and safety footwear. The range of tests include slip resistance, sole bond adhesion strength, seam strength, heel attachment strength, flex cracking resistance, component testing (i.e. zips or other fasteners), color fastness, waterproof testing and hazardous substance testing under the European Toy Safety Directive EN71 and Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) where applicable.

The new footwear lab is fully equipped to evaluate essential constructional properties of shoes from design to wear, helping manufacturers ensure that consumers’ fit and visual needs are efficiently met. Valued fashion characteristics such as form, shape and color harmony will be amongst the properties that can be measured in numerical values, lending greatly to the comfort, function, durability and environmental standards of shoe production. Intertek technical experts will ensure that footwear produced is of desired quality and provides reliable comfort and safety to the user.

The inaugural function was graced by Susan Lapetina and Stephen Lamar, Senior Director and Executive Vice President of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). Intertek and the AAFA hold a cooperative arrangement to support footwear members’ technical needs around the world. Also present on the occasion was product safety testing expert, Mr. Seemanta Mitra, Director of Business Development Technical Services for Intertek Consumer Goods North America.

Speaking on behalf of Intertek, Mr. Dilip Gianchandani, Director of Consumer Goods India said, “We are pleased to bring this service to India. The apparel and footwear industry has always been close knit and we are proud of our strong presence in the Indian textile and apparel testing market. Over the years, Intertek has worked diligently to enhance quality and safety standards across both industries while boosting international trade, and we hope to increase our value to consumers with the launch of this service.”

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in over 100 countries around the world.

For more information, visit www.intertek.com/consumergoods.