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An eventful year is drawing to a close...
In 2019, the Horn & Co. Analytics division experienced changes, mastered demanding challenges, and of course carried out many, many analyses for its customers.
The year began in January with a major change – the rebranding from HuK Umweltlabor GmbH to Horn & Co. Analytics GmbH. Just in time for the laboratory’s 25th anniversary, its name was thus aligned with the structure of the Horn & Co. Group. In addition to the laboratory, co-founder Dr. William Kwarteng also celebrated his 25th work anniversary. There was also a new appointment in laboratory management: Dr. Nadine Schrodt now supports her colleagues Dr. William Kwarteng and Dr. Mechthild Grebe.
Alongside this structural change, a great deal also happened in terms of the laboratory’s service portfolio. New analytical methods were developed and integrated into routine operations. These include surface and asbestos analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the field of material analysis, corrosion and climate testing as well as metallography and materials testing were also added. In addition, a method was developed to examine the outgassing of materials, such as resin-bonded refractory bricks, and to detect harmful components.
However, developments were not limited to analytics alone – there were also significant changes in the regulatory frameworks under which we operate. First and foremost was the transition to the new DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard, which was successfully implemented by our quality management team. This makes us one of the first laboratories to complete this transition. In 2019, the sampling and analysis of Legionella in cooling waters and wet separators in accordance with the 42nd Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) was also a major topic. Thanks to the expertise we have built up in this area over recent years, we are able to support our customers not only analytically but also with advisory services. The high level of demand for information in this field was clearly demonstrated by the strong participation in the training courses we offered during the summer.
After this eventful year, we are looking forward to a relaxing holiday season and entering 2020 with great anticipation.
We would like to wish our customers and partners a joyful and peaceful Christmas season and a successful start to the year 2020!
Your Horn & Co. Analytics Team
