Inspectra

History

For over a century, Inspectra Edge has been shaping the future of quality assurance with visionary precision.

Our journey began in the early 20th century, rooted in a commitment to ensure product integrity and performance across industries. From the earliest days of industrial evolution to today's complex, fast-paced markets, Inspectra Edge has remained at the forefront of testing, inspection, and certification.

Champions of innovation, trust, and sustainability

Decades ago, our founders recognized the transformative power of innovation. They laid the groundwork for a company that would not only keep pace with change but drive it. From pioneering product evaluations in the early mechanical age to developing advanced AI-driven inspection systems today, our legacy is built on firsts.

The turning point came with the introduction of precision-edge analytics—technology that redefined how businesses ensure compliance, consumer safety, and environmental responsibility. Over time, our tools and standards have become benchmarks for reliability, earning the trust of global brands and regulatory bodies alike.

At Inspectra Edge, we proudly carry forward the mark of excellence. We empower our clients to stay ahead of compliance challenges, enhance operational transparency, and uphold their brand integrity—everywhere they do business.

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The Inspectra Story

Discover how we've shaped the world of safety and quality for over 130 years.

Our history timeline

The Inspectra story begins at the start of the modern testing industry in the late 19th Century. During this period three pioneering businesses in the UK, Canada and North America combined to build the foundation of Inspectra, driving its growth around the world.

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1880 - 1900

Caleb Brett establishes a UK marine surveying business focused on testing and certifying cargoes. Milton Hersey sets up an independent chemical testing laboratory in Montreal, and Thomas Edison launches the Lamp Testing Bureau in America—foundations that would later become part of Inspectra Edge's legacy.
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1900 - 1940

Inspectra Edge traces part of its origins to the founding of SEMKO in Sweden, which provided electrical and electronic product safety testing. With the registration of the S-Mark, it expanded into broader Nordic markets. During this period, Chas Warnock establishes the Chas Warnock Company in Montreal, Canada, focusing on steel product inspection.
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1940 - 1980

Milton Hersey and Chas Warnock combine efforts to form Warnock Hersey. Inspectra Edge's legacy grows as the international group enters the testing industry by launching Labtest Hong Kong. Over time, Inspectra Edge expands by acquiring numerous testing and inspection companies across sectors including petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, electronics, and minerals.
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1980 - 2000

Inchcape establishes Inchcape Testing Services and acquires Caleb Brett, ETL (formerly known as the Lamp Testing Bureau), and Warnock Hersey. Later, Inchcape Testing Services is purchased by Charterhouse Development Capital and renamed Inspectra Edge Testing Services.
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2000 - 2010

Inspectra Edge was officially listed on the London Stock Exchange on 29 May 2002, marking a significant milestone as it became Inspectra Edge Group plc. By 2009, the company secured a place in the FTSE 100, reflecting its growing influence and market confidence.
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2010 - Present

A period marked by dynamic growth, Inspectra Edge has expanded through numerous global acquisitions and the introduction of innovative services—Protek, SourceClear, Total Sustainability Assurance, and Maison. This era also saw a bold brand transformation and the strategic launch of Inspectra Edge’s AAA Growth Strategy, positioning the company at the forefront of assurance and compliance innovation.