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SCMP Reporter

TURNOVER has increased by an estimated 40 per cent since a laboratory at one of Hong Kong's largest building firms was accredited.

  Gammon Construction's soil, rock and chemical testing laboratory received the official seal of approval from the territory's accreditation body, HOKLAS, in July.

  Spokesman Victor Tutlewski said the move had led to a large increase in business generated by the lab.

  'Now that we have been accredited, it further enhances the reputation of the laboratory's work. It has been very good for us,' he said.

  'People now know that we are accredited and so can use our services with extra confidence, knowing they are of the highest quality.

  'Also, if people do not know where to go for testing services they can see we are accredited by HOKLAS and know we provide a good service.'   The laboratory has operated for 10 years and employs 20 people.

  Among its work, it tests soil moisture content and how much pressure the soil can withstand. This is essential information before starting large construction projects.

  As well as carrying out in-house research for Gammon Construction, the laboratory does work for other groups.

  Its clients include the Government's Housing Department.

  The area in which the laboratory has received accreditation is in testing construction materials.

  Mr Tutlewski said getting the official seal of approval for its work was prompted by a desire to prove the quality of its work and also by the demands of the market.

  'Customers like the Government are saying that all tests carried out for their departments have to be performed by accredited labs by a certain date,' he said.

  'Generally, there is a move towards quality assurance, making sure the services you provide are of the highest standards.

  'Companies want to know they are getting the best when they use a laboratory.'   Gammon's lab was the first in Hong Kong to be accredited in construction materials testing, he said.

  Profit levels at the laboratory are expected to be in line with the 40 per cent increase in turnover recorded since accreditation in July.

  It took 15 months for Gammon Construction to achieve the HOKLAS standards award, which involved undergoing training schemes and setting up the right quality assurance systems.

   Gammon Construction employs about 1,500 people in Hong Kong.

       and it is owned by Jardine Pacific and Trafalgar House.

  It is one of the largest construction firms in the territory and is involved in many areas, such as civil engineering and building projects.

  Among the most recent contracts it has won is a $576-million deal to build a road link between east and west Kowloon.

  The testing laboratory is part of the foundations area of the firm.



Award helps Gammon Construction build on reputation