CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--K'NEX, an international leader in construction toys, has aligned with Intertek, a leading global provider of quality and safety solutions for a wide range of industries, to implement a new and improved quality management strategy over a period of 3 years. Intertek will provide consulting services in the areas of product development, safety testing, certification and compliance to enhance supply chain quality management at K’NEX.

“We are excited about this partnership with Intertek which will result in K’NEX products that are even better and safer,” said Michael Araten, President and CEO of K’NEX Brands. “With Intertek acting as our source for Quality Management and testing, we can focus more of our internal resources on creating products that allow children to imagine, build and play.”

Gene Rider, President of Intertek Consumer Goods North America, said, “We are honored for the opportunity to assist K’NEX in building their strategic vision of an effective quality management program. Our in-depth participation in the toy industry and valued partnerships with the world’s leading brands bring us confidence in our ability to provide all-encompassing solutions for current and future K’NEX plans.”

With more than 25,000 employees and locations in over 100 countries, Intertek will leverage its local knowledge and global reach to help K’NEX continue to meet and exceed quality levels, assure product safety, speed up time-to-market, and support innovation for the road ahead. With the objective of acting as a catalyst of change, the partnership will be intended to bring new levels of efficiency reflected in results-driven performance along with buyer and customer satisfaction. Working with key K’NEX personnel directly, Intertek experts will approach the Quality Management process from ideation throughout sourcing, tooling, manufacturing, distribution, and reverse flow. Its proven track record for providing innovative solutions across the supply chain for the world’s largest brands will contribute to its ability to prove as a capable partner for challenges ahead.

As an accredited third-party testing facility, Intertek will also be assisting with applicable certifications such as ASTM F963, CPSIA, Proposition 65, and other regional safety requirements as needed for K’NEX to further their ability to deliver imaginative toy products all over the world.

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 25,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world.

About K’NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K’NEX Brands was established to make and sell what has become one of the world’s leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K’NEX seeks to build young minds with its exciting product line and critically acclaimed K’NEX Education program. For more information, please visit www.knex.com.