KAR Laboratories
RECENT NEWS
February 19, 2018
-
November 1,
2017
Acquisition
in Michigan Supports Pace’s Growth Plans for the Great Lakes
Region
Today, we
completed the asset purchase of KAR Laboratories in Kalamazoo,
MI. This addition provides a strategic geographic location to
better serve our existing clients and to continue our growth in
the Great Lakes Region. We will connect this laboratory to our
Grand Rapids laboratory to better serve our Michigan customers.
KAR Laboratories has focused on serving drinking water, and
wastewater customers in the southern Michigan area. Most of KAR
Laboratories employees will be joining Pace. They bring a
strong reputation for excellent customer service and also add
sample collection capabilities.
The lab will
be a part of our Great Lakes business led by Senior General
Manager Karl Anderson and Regional Sales Manager, Mark Hampton.
If you have questions on the capabilities of this new addition,
please contact Karl or Mark. The Grand Rapids leadership team
will play a key role in integrating and supporting this new
operation.
We are
confident that our leadership team in the Great Lakes will
transition this new laboratory to Pace smoothly and will find
future growth and long term success.
About Pace
Analytical
For over 39
years, Pace Analytical has provided comprehensive analytical
testing and emergency disaster response services to a broad
range of clients, markets and industries. Today, Pace Analytical
is recognized as the industry’s second largest environmental
testing firm in the United States, operating a nationwide
network of 29 laboratories, including 5 specialty services
laboratories and 46 service centers. Pace prides itself in
providing both national and local coverage with exceptional
service, legally defensible data, and convenient and reliable
online data management. Pace’s specialty analytical services
include air toxics, vapor intrusion, biota analysis, sediment
testing, dioxin/furan analysis, drinking water analysis, UCMR-3
and UCMR-4 testing, radiochemistry and forensics.
Visit KAR Laboratories at
www.karlabs.com.
Full press release is
HERE
Contact:
Pace Analytical Services, Inc.
Mark Hampton | Great Lakes
Regional Sales Manager
P: 262.339.2579
mark.hampton@pacelabs.com
Pace
Analytical Services, Inc.
Karl Anderson | General Manager
P: 317.228.3119
karl.anderson@pacelabs.com
Media Contact:
Pace Analytical Services, Inc.
Tom Parker | Corporate Marketing
Communications Manager
P: 612-656-2276
tom.parker@pacelabs.com
- 2017 Profit Sharing Announced
- 09/26/2017 - The Board of Directors voted to award
checks in the amount of 7% of all wages earned
this fiscal year for current KAR Laboratories, Inc. employees. We thank our professional staff for
their contributions in this very successful year.
- Faster, more reliable Internet Service
and LAN Backbone
3/12/2017 -
We hopped up service by hopping on the fiber optics bandwagon.
Early this year, we ditched the unreliable 60 Mbps cable internet service provider and upgraded to 250 Mbps fiber optics.
This month, we upgraded our Local Area Network backbone to 10 Gbps fiber optics. Providing more than raw speed, fiber optics
is naturally immune to interference from the many high-powered
RF generators we have in the lab. |
 |
- 2016 Profit Sharing Announced
- 09/25/2016 - Checks equaling 7% of all wages earned
this fiscal year were distributed to all current KAR Laboratories, Inc. employees.
Thank you KAR staff for another extremely successful year.
- Lab Equipment Update
|
New Automatic Titration System -
4/28/2016 - Titrations using a burette is a proven
lab technique but somewhat boring and slow, while a
precise endpoint can sometimes be subjective.
Automation to the rescue! We've invested in the
latest Hanna Instruments HI902C auto titrator and
autosampler which will be taking over pH and
alkalinity measurements.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Another New Ion Chromatography
System
(IC) - 3/16/2016 - Anions such as Fluoride,
Chloride, Nitrate, Nitrite, Bromide, Phosphate, and
Sulfate can be analyzed in one run with an IC. Our
existing Lachat 8000 IC, which has served us well
for many years, just can't keep up. April runs it
nearly non-stop 5-6 days a week, 24 hours a day. So
today we ordered a brand new Dionex Aquion IC
system. This addition will provide the throughput
and capacity needed as well as redundancy in the
event of an instrument failure.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Another New Gas Chromatograph
(GC) - 2/4/2016 - PCBs and pesticides at trace levels
continue to be of concern in industrial countries and
especially in Southwest Michigan, due to the paper industry
activities. In 2015 alone, we've reported over 6000
individual PCB Arochlor results. We think it's important
to support these efforts with the best equipment and
service. So we bought another new Perkin-Elmer GC, model
Clarus 580, with autosampler and dual Ni-63 electron
capture (ECD) detectors. Reporting unconfirmed results
is not in our clients best interests, so we configure
our non-GC-MS GCs with one sample injector which then
splits into two dissimilar analytical separation columns,
allowing built-in identification and quantitation confirmation
for each reported contaminant. Does YOUR lab do that?
|
 |
|
|
|
|
A third SPE (Solid Phase Extraction)
Workstation - 8/25/2015 - The popularity
of our drinking water testing kit 360 required yet another
Zymark AutoTrace SPE Workstation to maintain efficiency
and throughput and ensure fast results. The additional
automation means we can now prep as many as 18 samples
for GC-MS analysis in about 2-3 hours.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
New Amines Instrument -
8/25/2015 - Our aging Tremetrics Gas Chromatograph
has been replaced with a Thermo Trace Ultra unit with
Split/Splitless injector. Upgraded with the industry-leading
DETector Engineering & Technology retrofit NPD (Nitrogen
Phosphorus Detector), it has a ceramic jet and Type
4 white ceramic ion source for the best possible Nitrogen
response. Topping it off is a Thermo AS3000 105-sample
autoinjector. This setup is used for amine compounds
that are very tricky to analyze correctly or even detect
at trace levels with inferior equipment.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Another Hop Essential Oils Instrument
- 8/14/2015 - A third, identically configured Thermo
Trace Ultra Gas Chromatograph (GC) was purchased with
Dual Flame Ionization Detectors, AS3000 Autosampler,
and Split/Splitless Injector. This GC will add extra
capacity and ensure fast turnaround for our Hop Oil
Profile customers, as well as facilitating our alcohols,
glycols, and carboxylic acid testing.
|
 |
|
|
A second Ultra-Trace Mercury Analyzer
- 12/18/2014 - We installed another
new PS Analytical Millennium Merlin 1631 Ultra-Trace
Mercury Analyzer system with autosampler, PC, and printer.
Our original unit, one of the first to come on line,
has processed well over 15,000 billable samples. KAR
was the first laboratory in Michigan to offer this service
way back in 2000. Both systems will be used in production
to ensure fast, consistent and uninterrupted service
to our many mercury customers.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
More and better ICP-MS
- 12/03/2014 - Our Varian 820 Inductively
Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) is 6 years
old and in that time, technology in the field of trace
metals analysis marches on. To fend off obsolescence,
we ordered a new Perkin-Elmer NexION 350X instruments
with all the bells and whistles, including a FAST
discrete autosampler which cycles a sample in about a minute
compared to 3-5 minutes for normal autosamplers.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Organics Laboratory Upgrades
- 6/10/2014 - Improvements in the
lab the past few months were made by adding 3 additional
instruments. An identical pair of Thermo Trace Ultra
Gas Chromatographs were purchased with Thermo AI3000
Autosamplers, Split/Splitless Injectors, and Dual Flame
Ionization Detectors to replace older equipment. Also
added was a second HPLC, a Waters LC Module 1 Plus High
Performance Liquid Chromatograph with Model 717 Autosampler,
thermostatically heated column chamber, and Model 486
Programmable UV Detector. This HPLC will exclusively
service the hops and brewing industry and will free
up our existing HPLC for routine environmental testing
such as Benzidines, Formaldehyde, EDTA, and method development
and validation.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Another GC-MS -
12/23/2013 - Our existing Thermo Trace DSQ II
gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer impressed us
enough to invest in another. This one is configured
with a Temperature Programmed Vaporization inlet with
Solvent Vapor Exit accessory (PTV/SVE), widely regarded
as the most versatile gas chromatography inlet system
available. The mass spectrometer has some notable options
including a Direct Insertion Probe accessory which introduces
solids and liquids directly into the ion source, making
it a fantastic tool for the identification of unknowns.
It also has chemical ionization (CI) option, the optional
250 L/sec turbomolecular pump, and an accessory ion
gauge. The GC has the very versatile TriPlus ALL autosampler
which can be configured for liquid injections as well
as heated static headspace sampling with 6-place incubator.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Laboratory Notebook Upgrades -
10/8/2013 - We've added a dozen high performance
notebook computers to our fleet. These desktop replacements
feature 1680x1024 screens and all of our PCs have solid
state hard drives. Our laboratory maintains a total
of 62 computers at the Kalamazoo facility.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Major upgrade to our quadrapole
GC-MS system - 8/8/2013 - Due to the
ever increasing demands for lower and lower detection
limits, we completed a major upgrade to our Thermo
Trace DSQ GC-MS. Now officially know
as a DSQ II, the entire ion source, mass prefilter,
RF generator, electronics, and computer/software were
replaced. The manufacture claimed a 10-fold increase
in sensitivity, but we don't agree (it's more like 20-50
fold!) Now it's so sensitive, we've switched from Splitless Injection Mode to Split Mode for routine work,
keeping the injection port, GC column, and mass detector
clean for much longer than before the upgrade.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
A second TOC (Total Organic Carbon)
Analyzer - 7/08/2013 - For redundancy
and increased capacity, we added another OI Analytical
Model 1010 Carbon Analyzer with Autosampler, computer
and printer.
|
 |
- New Trace Wastewater Testing
- 11/1/2015 - Sometimes, discharge permits demand
detection limits for organic contaminants that are lower than even
GC-MS methods can provide. We've achieved some incredibly low detection
limits for wastewater using EPA Methods 605, 609, 610, 611, and
612. These methods use incredibly sensitive equipment to achieve
detection limit goals. Here's a small subset of notable detection
limits we've recently reported in wastewater effluents:
2,4-Dinitrotoluene 0.06 ug/L GC-Nitrogen/Phosphorus
detector
2,6-Dinitrotoluene 0.03 ug/L GC-Nitrogen/Phosphorus
detector
Benzidine 0.1 ug/L HPLC-Electrochemical
detector
Benzo(a)anthracene 0.04 ug/L HPLC-Fluorescence
detector
Benzo(b)fluoranthene 0.03 ug/L
HPLC-Fluorescence detector
Indeno(123cd)pyrene 0.13 ug/L HPLC-Fluorescence
detector
Hexachlorobenzene 0.16 ug/L GC-Electron
Capture detector
- Profit Sharing Announced
- 09/18/2015 - The Board of Directors authorized the annual
profit-sharing bonus to staff in the amount of 5% of all wages earned
this fiscal year for all current KAR Laboratories, Inc. employees. We wish to thank our professional staff for their diligent work
and sacrifices made this year.
- 2015 Harvest Time
8/25/2015 -
Today brought 53 hop samples for hop acids testing. Mostly
Cascade, Chinook and Centennial, also Teamaker, Columbus,
Sorachi-Ace, Mackinac, Newport, Willamette, Nugget, Crystal,
Cashmere, Pearl, Tettnang to name a few. Most were grown
in the Midwest, but plenty from around the USA too. Gary,
Matt and Julie prepped the hops and loaded the extracts
on the HPLC autosamplers while Emily runs the moisture tests.
Tomorrow, results as promised! |

|
 |
- Anniversary Celebrations 7-30-15 -
Sandy Mertz, 25 years of service. 5-20-14 - Garrett Ervin, 20 years
of service. 3/22/15 - Dave Alkema, 25 years of service. 5/1/13 - Gary Buyze, 15 years
of service. 2/2/12 - Hope Stanley, 15 years of service. 4/26/11
- Julie Rumsey, 25 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.
- Recent Employee News -
2/19/2015 - Two KAR employees have some very good news to share. Gerrit Rauch recently graduated from Grand Valley State University
with a Biomedical Sciences degree and has been accepted at Michigan
State University medical school, starting in June. Another
student employee at KAR Labs, McKinzie Ervin, has been awarded the
prestigious Heyl Scholarship, which includes a Kalamazoo College
full ride with 4 year tuition & board, books and a semester abroad
at a sister school. Congratulations to those two exceptional
young students for their hard work and devotion to the sciences.
- New Hops Test - 9/23/2014 - We've developed and validated a new test called
"Hop Essential Oils by Gas Chromatography" using the American Society
of Brewing Chemists HOPS-17 method. This is a useful and informative
qualitative test to aid hop growers in marketing and indexing their
crops that goes above and beyond the usual and required quantitative
tests such as Hop Acids and Hop Storage Index. This test profiles
hops for certain components that contribute to flavor and aroma
characteristics. We use a pair of dual-column, dual-flame
ionization detector gas chromatographs (GC-FID2) which each allows
two channels of data with one injection. The laboratory report
includes the percentage of these key components: Myrcene (citrusy),
Humulene (citrusy, floral, woody, earthy), Farnesene, Caryophyllene
(herbal, spicy, woody), Linalool (floral, fruity), and Geraniol.
A Total Essential Oils in Hops and Hop Pellets by Steam
Distillation using method HOPS-13 is included with this test and
of course we always give you a free moisture (dry matter)
content with every hop test we do.
- It's 2014 Harvest Time!
Yesterday brought
26 hop samples. Mostly Chinook, Cascade and Centennial,
these are from growers in the more southern latitudes -
North Carolina, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Delaware,
Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Southern Michigan. It's interesting
to inspect hops and watch the harvest as it relates to climate
and location. All testing has been completed, then we do
a peer review and then QA review. The results are sent to
our clients the day after the samples are received. |
 |
- Lunchroom
Whiteboard - 8/21/2014 - Resident artwork
5/8/15 -Gerrit Rauch farewell party
|
8/21/14 - Norman's birthday |
8/8/14 - Garrett's birthday
|
2/6/12 |
|
|
- Surprise MDEQ Waste Inspection Audit
- 7/11/14 - Today we had an unannounced visit from our local regulatory
agency. We are happy to report that the audit was concluded with
ZERO findings. In fact, the inspector commented, "you're boring".
We're OK with that!
- Congratulations Andie!
-5/28/14 - One of our extraordinary employees "Andie"
Grube recently earned her Bachelor's of Science degree magna
cum laude in Criminology/Criminal Science from Portland State
University, Portland, Oregon. Having worked in the crime lab here
in Kalamazoo, we are very lucky to have such a bright and energetic
analytical chemist. She brings a unique skill set to our lab
and has some interesting real life "CSI:" investigator stories to share.
- John Nathanial Karnemaat, Age 87
05/08/14 - (From the Kalamazoo Gazette):
"Devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away
peacefully during a beautiful sunrise on Monday, May 5, 2014, in
his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born on the family
farm in Fremont, MI, son of Koos and Etta Karnemaat. He attended
a one-room schoolhouse, graduated from Fremont High School and Western
Michigan University, and then continued his education with graduate
work at the University of Cincinnati. His professional career began
at the Upjohn Company and Perrigo. As a scientist, he was involved
in many creative endeavors as founder and partner in the BioClinical
Laboratory, KAR Laboratories and Interfibe Corporation. In 1952,
John married the love of his life, Mildred Arlene Thomas and together,
they raised four children during their 62 years of marriage. He
was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed spending happy hours
together at home and at their cottage at Gun Lake. John had a passion
for music. He played the violin and shared his fine tenor voice
in the church choir and in local choral groups. For over 60 years,
John was a member of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo.
He and Millie loved to travel and made many lasting friendships
and memories on their adventures around the world. John's keen and
creative mind was never at rest, solving problems and working on
projects through his final days. Family and friends will always
remember his dry sense of humor, quiet chuckle, calm and humble
disposition, generosity and love of Sweetwater's donuts. John was
preceded in death by his parents and sister, Meredith Gilbert, and
son-in-law, Charlie Manos. He is survived by his wife, Millie; four
children and eight grandchildren, Janet Manos and her children,
Lydia and Jacob; Richard (Deb) Karnemaat and their sons, Ryan and
Nathan; Paul (Chrissie) Karnemaat; Julie Turner (Derek Turner),
and children, Hannah, Ian, Abe, and Samantha. He is also survived
by an extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. A memorial
service was held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at First United Methodist
Church of Kalamazoo. The family requests that in lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist
Church of Kalamazoo or memories and condolences may be left at
www.avinkcremation.com. "
- New KAR Car
- 8/16/2012
Joining
our fleet is a new 2012 Ford Focus 5-Door. This one has a dual clutch 6-speed gearbox, is rated at
28/38 mpg, and is a blast to drive. Give us a wave! |

|
- Employee News - 6/8/2012
Some of our customers know
Gerrit Rauch from his sample pickup rounds. Gerrit has worked
part-time for KAR Labs for over 5 years in-between his studies
in high school and college. This summer, Gerrit had the
opportunity to be a fly fishing guide in the Alaska wilderness
at TickChik Narrow Lodge. Good luck Gerrit, we'll miss you! |

|
- 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. |

|
|