BSI goes for growth in Peru

PRESS RELEASE

2 September 2002

The British Standards Institution - known internationally for its Kitemark of product excellence and as the world leader in setting quality and safety standards for industry and consumers - has taken a new step in its ambitious programme of global growth by expanding in Peru.

This development follows BSI's £36.5million acquisition earlier this year of Inspectorate plc, the world-wide group of companies involved in commodities inspection and testing.

The new company, Inspectorate Griffith Peru SA, places the BSI group in sole control of its entire operation in the Peruvian metals and minerals markets - chiefly in the sampling and analysis of lead and zinc concentrates.

This move follows the recent expansion of operations in Brazil, where new facilities opened at Sao Luis in April, bringing the total number of BSI's operational centres in Brazil to nine.

The BSI group of companies is growing in response to demand from our clients for a seamless global service. This new move expands our capabilities, enabling us to provide a faster, more comprehensive service to our clients in Latin America. It is all part of our strategy of becoming the customers preferred choice in commodity inspection services.

Andy Roberts, Inspectorate's vice-president - metals and materials Americas said: "Inspectorate Griffith Peru supervises the distribution of concentrates from the myriad of small mines around Peru to the concentrate depots in the port area of Callao. Once an entire shipment has been assembled at the depot, we sample and analyse the material to determine quality and quantity on behalf of our clients. The cargo is then loaded onto a vessel under our supervision for final distribution to lead and zinc smelters around the world."

Andy Roberts added: "As well as being the market leader in the metals and minerals industry in Peru, we have also made inroads towards significant potential business with trading companies in the Peruvian petroleum industry. Business is brisk, and there has been overwhelming support from clients, most of whom have transferred their contracts to the new operation. We are also commissioning a new laboratory on the premises, making the company self-sufficient in terms of analysis and providing an excellent shop window for visiting clients."

CONTACT BSI PRESS OFFICE:
Wilma Tulloch on +44 (0)20 8996 6330 OR
Marc Edney on +44 (0)20 8996 6330