RECENT NEWS! February 02, 2012
Here's some business and social news at KAR Laboratories, Inc.:
- Anniversary Celebrations - 2/2/12 - Hope Stanley, 15 years of service. 4/26/11 - Julie Rumsey, 25 years of service. 1/05/11 - Pat Lally, 15 years of service. 8/26/10 - Dave Lilac, 20 years of service. 8/4/10 - Sandy Mertz, 20 years of service. 3/22/10 - Bill Rauch, 25 years of service. 1/21/10 - Laura Evans, 20 years of service. 5/28/09 - Garrett Ervin, 15 years of service. 10/31/08 - Dave Alkema, 20 years of service. 5/1/08 - Gary Buyze, 10 years of service. 1/25/07 - Hope Stanley, 10 years of service. 11/2/06 - Jayne Rauch, 10 years of service. Anniversary celebrations include cake, a gift certificate to a hotel, lodge, or Bed & Breakfast of their choice, and other goodies such as an engraved plaque, engraved desk clock, or engraved Swiss-made Tag Heuer wristwatch.
- New Equipment Update
New Gas Chromatograph (GC) and Chromatography Data System - 1/12/2012 - Southwest Michigan and the Kalamazoo river area have been a hotbed of PCB contamination. Over the past three years, KAR averaged in excess of 600 PCB environmental sample analyses per year, many or most being one day turnaround time. This workload has kept our two existing PCB GC's very busy! To be able to respond to this and more, we've added a third instrument. This one is a brand new Perkin-Elmer Clarus 480 GC with autosampler and dual Ni-63 electron capture (ECD) detectors. Additionally, we also installed a TotalChrom® chromatography software system. We like it enough to plan to standardize on the TotalChrom® platform for our other five gas and liquid chromatographs.
New Analytical Balances - 2/1/2011 - Just about every test we do can be traced back to a measurement of mass provided by a balance. We ordered a pair of brand new analytical balances to replace some older, obsolete units, then called in our external scale calibration/certification contractor to check them out and give them a certification sticker. Our chemists really like these new balances with all the bells and whistles. Added to our fleet of balances is a new Mettler Toledo Classic Plus PB503-S/FACT and a O-Haus Pioneer PA114.
Leap Technologies CTC-200SE GC/LC Autosampler (Our Fifth) - 9/16/2010 - This is the robotic autosampler of choice for our Semi-Volatile Laboratory chemists. The Leaps have the distinction of being one of the most reliable autosamplers ever built, which helps make up for the high initial cost and also keeps service costs low for our customers.
SimpleDist Cyanide Distillation - 8/1/2010 - The SimpleDist System from Environmental Express provides a safe, convenient option for cyanide and ammonia collection. The 12-position system eliminates most of the glassware associated with traditional systems. The system also eliminates the need for cooling water. 
600-Gallon Bulk Gas Dewars - 7/25/2008 - With four Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers and four Triple Quad Mass Spectrometers, our argon and nitrogen compressed gas requirements have grown to require several deliveries per week using our 200-liter dewar manifold system. A pair of 600 gallon bulk dewars will provide a more consistent gas source with less downtime. KAR uses the nitrogen for triple-quad LC-MS curtain gas. Argon is used for ICP plasma torches and collision cell gas in the triple-quads. 
New Varian 820 ICP-MS Spectrometer - 7/2008 - A second Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) has been ordered for trace metals analysis. The Varian 820-MS is a floor-mounted ICP-MS featuring a 90-degree reflecting ion optic system for gigahertz sensitivity, a triple stage vacuum system, a Discrete Dynode Electron Multiplier (DDEM) detector offering a linear range of 9 orders of magnitude, and a unique Collision Reaction Interface (CRI) for reduced interferences. This equipment positions the KAR Trace Metals laboratory with unparalled accuracy and service through innovation, expertise, and proven laboratory business management systems. 
New OI Analytical Flow Solution 3100 Automated Ion Analyzer - 10/2006 - Available Cyanide has been requested by our clients, and this instrument provides that capability. It uses a proprietary ligand exchange/gas diffusion/amperometric detection procedure (USEPA-accepted Method 1677). The automated chemistry analyzer employs a dual channel configuration with 2 photometric detectors, 2 FIA modules, 2 heaters, and 2 valves for fast, dependable results of many routine tests. 
New Thermo Spectronic Genesys 20 Spectrophotometer - 9/2006 - An additional Model 4001/4 has been purchased for routine production testing and will provide redundancy for our first Genesys 20 system. 
New OI Analytical Purge & Trap Concentrator/Autosampler - 9/2006 - Model 4552 provides automated analysis of a variety of sample types and methods. This device will replace an older unit, adding increased precision and efficiency. 
New Nippon RA-3000 Mercury Analyzer - 5/2006 - Best available technology for USEPA Methods 245.1, 245.2, SW-846, 7470, 7471, and 245.7. Common applications include NPDES permit monitoring, wastewaters, process waters, natural waters, blood, urine, and other liquids. This new instrument provides automated analysis and increases sensitivity 100-fold over conventional cold vapor Atomic Absorbance methods, bridging the gap to our Ultra-Trace Fluorescence mercury method. 
- Kalamazoo Hosts MWEA Joint Conference
9/27/11 - Kalamazoo welcomed this year's Michigan Water Environment Association's "Biosolids/IPP (Industrial Pretreatment Program) Joint Conference" on Sept. 27 & 28. It was held at the Clarion Hotel and Kalamazoo AirZoo. KAR Laboratories, Inc. had "TOP GUN" top billing. Conference attendees were treated to a fantastic meal under the wings of the SR71A Blackbird aircraft. The group was free to roam about the exhibits and enjoy guided tours, and participate in the several simulators and rides available at the 'Zoo. Three aircraft were also sponsored by KAR, allowing participants to climb into the cockpit and try on a warplane for size. Click here for photos. 
- Profit Sharing Bonus - 09/30/10 - Our 2009-2010 fiscal period ended and it was a very good year thanks to the hard work of our experienced staff. Bonus checks were handed out today after the Board of Directors voted to pay 5% of gross earnings to all employees.
- Japanese Hibachi & Sushi Dinner Party
9/9/10 - We've been extremely busy lately and everyone has been working hard at the lab. So after work, the Lab treated employees and spouses at Sakura 2 Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar in Portage. Occupying a good portion of the restaurant (3 hibachi tables!), open bar, sushi boat appetizers, and professional entertainment were provided by the excellent staff at Sakura. Gift cards were handed out to all employees as well. Two weeks prior, the Lab catered Olive Garden for lunch for the staff and also awarded gift cards for all staff. A huge THANK YOU to all KAR staff for their contributions to the continued success of KAR Laboratories! 
- New Employees - 7/2/10 - We would like to welcome the following professionals to our family. John Blanks, Chemist III. John knows his way around the laboratory with 15 years of analytical chemistry experience. April Kovach - Out of the blue, April called looking for work. She took 8 years off to raise her children after previously serving KAR Laboratories for a very productive 10 years. We are happy to have her back.
- EDTA Testing Now Offered - 6/1/10 - The chemical EDTA has seen enormously wide and successful use worldwide as a chelating (bonding) agent. However, EDTA's chemical properties and persistence in the environment has brought about a surprising side effect - it can move otherwise immobile toxic heavy metals into groundwater very rapidly. This led to KAR Laboratories developing an HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) analytical method to analyze EDTA in water. Click here for more information.
- New Print Formats for Laboratory Reports - 1/16/2010 - Our default report format is now multiple samples per page, include a positive result summary, and is printed on both sides of the page (duplexed). Also available are: one sample per page or QC Report. Single-sided printing is also available. If you prefer something other than our default format, or perhaps would like to go paperless and only receive a PDF report via email, just let us know!
- New KAR Car
1-15-2010 - Joining our Chevy, Ford, and Dodge fleet of vehicles is a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagon. Our Jetta is among the most fuel efficient vehicles on the planet, with the cleanest emissions footprint to boot. No more diesel rattle & stink! The Clean Diesel won Green Car of the Year for both 2009 and 2010, beating out hybrids Prius and Insight. And with 240 lb.ft. of torque, a 6-speed DSG gearbox, independent suspension, traction control, electronic stabilization program, and a dedicated set of winter tires, this KAR car is everybody's first choice when heading out - rain, shine, snow, or ice. The people want good, clean diesel fun. The "T" in TDI stands for turbocharged and the Jetta delivers. Give us a wave!
- Another DMRQA PERFECT 100% SCORE - 10/2009 - KAR Environmental Laboratory received another perfect report card on these crucial annual performance evaluations, nailing all 54 test parameters. Staff was treated to Qdoba Mexican Grill hot taco bar and drinks.
- Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce Milestone - 4/17/09 - KAR Laboratories, Inc. has been a member of the local Chamber for 25 years. The significant membership milestone is recognized at the Air Zoo on April 30 at the 106th Annual Meeting.
- KAR's Biggest Loser - 3/20/09 - Competition is heating up for the KAR Biggest Loser contest. Before and after photos are taken during initial and final weigh-in. Each contestant pays an entrance fee, then the company matches that fee to promote diet and exercise. Everyone wins by losing weight. But the biggest loser, as measured by percent weight loss, will take home the pot. 6/30/09 UPDATE: ...and the winner is... HOPE STANLEY!
- Milestone: 15,000 Environmental Samples Analyzed for Ultra-Trace Mercury - 2/13/09 - The Trace Metals Laboratory recently analyzed the 15,000th billable Ultra-Trace Mercury sample. This testing service was launched in early 2000 based upon pending regulations. It is one of the more difficult tests to perform correctly, as many customers have reported coming from cheaper labs resulting in false positive test results. Thanks to our unmatched experience, class 10,000 clean room, superior instrumentation and quality systems, this test is accurate, rugged and routine for our chemists.
- Taco Party - 1-22-09 - Client Services Project Manager Amanda headed up a taco lunch party for employees and it was a smashing success! Señor Terry made a special appearance donning his poncho and sombrero. The party was a big hit and we'll be "cooking up" plans for another party soon to be announced.
- Chlorinated Paraffins Testing Now Offered - 2/01/08 - KAR has made another addition to its testing capabilities in response to clients' needs. We have developed an analysis which can both quantitate and characterize chlorinated paraffins in various sample types. This GC/MS analysis recently played a key role in helping one of KAR's clients solve a very serious and costly process problem."
- It's a SWEEP! All Four Quarters, a PERFECT 100% SCORE on Performance Evaluation Samples - 12/2007 - KAR Environmental Laboratory received their FOURTH Laboratory of Excellence® Award in 2007 for a perfect 100% score on quarterly national proficiency samples. Click here to see our laboratory's industry-leading PE sample history.
- Available Cyanide Testing Now Offered - 7/31/07 - KAR has made some recent additions to its testing capabilities in response to clients' needs. We began testing for Available Cyanide (EPA Method OIA-1677) in July of 2007. With a detection limit of 2 ppb, proper sample collection and handling is a critical aspect of the analysis. Clients should call our Client Services staff to request a sampling kit.
- MDEQ Hazardous Waste Inspection - 7/27/2007 - An unannounced hazardous waste inspection and audit from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) took place today. There were no findings, and the auditor said that it's a pleasure to inspect a facility where everything is being done correctly. We should receive an "in compliance" letter within the next few weeks. Congratulations to Dave Alkema CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager), Safety Officer Julie Rumsey, and Chemist Mike Walsh for their diligence in weekly waste handling, inspecting, and recordkeeping.
- MDEQ EZSet Electronic Data Deliverables are Available NOW - 7/25/2007 - KAR Laboratories, Inc. can now provide laboratory data in the "EZSet" format specified in the July 5, 2007 RRD Operational Memorandum No. 2 "Sampling and Analysis - Attachment 1".
- Pharmaceuticals Laboratory Division Spin-off - 7/1/2007 - The drug research laboratory section has been designated its own company. Keeping the same location, same shareholders, same directors, and same officers, as a practical matter not much has really changed. The spin-off will allow better management by tracking each individual company's performance separately.
- Third time in 2006 - Perfect Score on U.S. EPA Performance Evaluation - DMRQA26
9/2006 - KAR Environmental Laboratory received the Special Recognition certificate for a perfect 100% score on the national proficiency samples. KAR analyzed all 35 parameters of the DMRQA Study 26 samples successfully for this mandatory testing part of the NPDES permit program. Click here to see our laboratory's industry-leading PE sample history. Click on the thumbnail picture to view the award.
- MDEQ Operational Memorandum 2 - 5/19/05 - There are several new (and sometimes strange) analytical requirements in this recent release of environmental requirements. Click here for details.
- Photo Shoot
Miron Communications Group, LLC in affiliation with Biggs|Gilmore, selected KAR Laboratories to showcase the Mobile Technology Benches from Flexible Furniture. Photos will be used in Flexible Furniture’s promotional literature featuring KAR scientists and equipment. 