SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has set a new benchmark for third-party pharmaceutical testing laboratories in China following an outstanding inspection by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its Shanghai Health Science Laboratory.

For a third consecutive time, the facility was not issued a Form FDA 483 at the conclusion of the US FDA’s comprehensive inspection (Zero 483 inspectional observations), becoming the first third-party pharmaceutical testing laboratory in China to achieve this accolade.

In the global pharmaceutical market, international recognition of pharmaceutical quality systems is critical for companies to gain market access. As a globally recognized regulatory authority, the US FDA protects public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products and medical devices. To this end, GMP on-site inspections evaluate whether a company's operations quality management system meets international standards.

Over four days in September 2024, US FDA inspectors undertook a full-scope GMP compliance inspection of SGS’s Shanghai facility. Its focus included quality management, chemical and microbiological quality control laboratory management, sample management, personnel training, hardware/software system validation, method validation, documentation and records, electronic data management and data integrity.

Additionally, inspectors conducted on-site reviews of actual tests in physical, chemical, microbiological and sterile testing laboratories. 

Dr. Sandy Hao, Managing Director of SGS in China, said: “Our Shanghai Health Science Laboratory’s successful completion of the US FDA GMP on-site inspection with a zero 483 observations result is not only a testament to our long-standing commitment to excellent laboratory management practices but also a further consolidation of our authority and professionalism in the third-party pharmaceutical testing field.

“Our team continuously embraces SGS’s ‘Quality First’ mission to further enhance pharmaceutical brand reputation and customer confidence. With SGS support, Chinese pharmaceutical product manufacturers will continue to improve market reputation and customer trust, and readily access global markets. In partnership with our global pharmaceutical customers, we aim to drive the long-term, high-quality development of the healthcare industry in China.”

SGS provides analytical services spanning the entire drug development life cycle, including GMP-compliance QC testing, bioanalysis and clinical research, formulation development. We cover all segments such as chemical drugs, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging materials.

SGS is committed to providing higher quality services to pharmaceutical companies in China and globally, helping products to be marketed efficiently and safely, and offering a solid guarantee for the health of patients worldwide.

About SGS 
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to offer a free expert-led webinar on plans by the European Union (EU) to ban bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in food contact materials.

The European Commission originally announced plans to ban BPA and other bisphenols in food contact materials in May 2023. On June 12, 2024, following a period of engagement with stakeholders, a draft final regulation was published. Adoption of this regulation is scheduled for November 2024, with enforcement by the end of the year.

During this complimentary webinar, SGS specialist Dr Torben Küchler will consider the history of bisphenols use, current discussions around toxicological assessment, the EU’s plan to ban bisphenols and its potential impact on food safety and the food contact materials industry.

The webinar will be of interest to quality managers in both food and food packaging manufacturers. It will be held on October 17, 2024, at 10.00 am EST.

Register now

About SGS 
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

SAGE is honored to collaborate with Amazon as one of our premier partners! We offer CDL training for Amazon employees who are eligible to use Career Choice vouchers. Having successfully trained thousands of drivers nationwide, we are proud to partner with Amazon to help their employees acquire the skills needed for a safe, successful, and fulfilling career as CDL drivers.

Amazon Career Choice Program

The Amazon Career Choice Program is an education benefit program designed to empower Amazon employees to learn new skills for career success. This program offers employees access to in-demand educational and skills training opportunities offered at over 600 schools in 14 countries.

Program Eligibility

Hourly Amazon employees who have been employed for at least 90 days must first register for CDL training here. Amazon employees will be prompted to select the school of choice on the map, preferred start date, and complete the registration process.

CDL Training with SAGE

SAGE training programs offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet all FMCSA standards, and it provides the substantial knowledge and practical skills necessary to enter the trucking industry.

SAGE CDL training includes:

Classroom Learning — Students will gain an understanding of all theoretical aspects of driving, including traffic laws, safety regulations, and basic vehicle maintenance. Knowledge of these principles is essential for safe and responsible driving.

Behind-the-Wheel Training — Students receive practical driving experience through hands-on training by operating a commercial vehicle. Learn how to maneuver the truck, understand its controls, and practice driving in various, real-world situations.

Safety Training — With an emphasis on safety procedures and compliance with transportation laws, students will understand safety protocols, emergency procedures, and how to handle different weather and road conditions.

Exam Preparation — Students will have help with preparation for the license exam, including both written and practical driving tests.

Please visit our site to check our programs for more information.

Benefits of Becoming a Truck Driver

The commercial vehicle industry is a vital part of the economy with the demand for skilled drivers remaining strong. According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, the need for commercial drivers is projected to grow steadily with numerous job openings each year.

Truck driving can offer independence and an overall satisfying career. Below are a few benefits to starting a career in truck driving:

Competitive Salaries and Bonuses — Many companies offer sign-on bonuses, pay incentives for safety and performance, and have various benefits such as medical, dental and paid vacation time.

Modern Comforts — Commercial motor vehicles are becoming more equipped with advanced safety features, comfort amenities, and efficient communication systems.

Work-Life Balance — Dedicated runs and predictable schedules are increasingly offered to ensure drivers get regular home time.

Accessing Amazon Career Choice Program Benefits:

Once a start date and location has been identified, Amazon employees will need to log into their Career Choice account to initiate the voucher process as outlined below:

Login to: Amazon A to Z Login
Click: Explore Pathways
What is your field of study? Transportation
What is your career? Truck Driving

Where are you studying? Ancora Network

What Academic Program are you studying? Class A CDL + ELDT Training – USA

Enter: Start/End Date

Enter: Ancora Student ID

Enter: Confirmation Code 24TRU477

E-sign your release form and submit the payment request.

Call, text, or send an email to your SAGE liaison (Jourdan) to let her know your payment request has been submitted. Vouchers will be auto submitted on your behalf, and approval to proceed with class start should be received within 24-48 hours.

Springfield, MO—In the post-pandemic economy, earth-moving equipment dealers struggle with tight competition and shrinking profit margins. Industry expert Kelly Russell founded HB Attachments Inc. in 2023 to help excavator dealerships in the United States close more deals with higher profits. The startup designs, manufactures, and distributes high-quality aftermarket excavator accessories, including buckets, rippers, quick couplers, rakes, thumbs, and grapples. This month, the family-owned business, based in Springfield, Missouri, revealed its new brand name: TRUE Attachments.

The profit margin on a new excavator is quite small, so dealerships have very little room to negotiate with potential customers who are shopping based on price. However, sales are typically bundled with an accessory package that includes several attachments designed for the machine’s boom arm. Finding the right attachment wholesaler can greatly affect a dealership’s ability to craft a competitive yet profitable sales offer.

Russell said TRUE Attachments delivers better quality, service, and pricing than its competitors

– most of whom are located near the East and West coasts.

“I saw a need in our industry for a supplier of high-quality attachments – based in the central

U.S. –offering wholesale products at a price that would give a dealer the slight edge they need to win more deals and increase the average margin per deal,” he explained.

Russell launched the company with a team comprised of loyal family members and opened a warehouse in southwest Missouri. The company distributes its products to dealerships throughout the U.S. The attachments are designed to perform well in a variety of industries, including timber, quarry and mining, oil and gas, as well as construction and excavation.

TRUE Attachments currently offers products to fit the following brands of excavators: CASE,KOBELCO, Komatsu, Kubota, Hitachi, John Deere, Volvo, DEVELON, Hyundai, Takeuchi, Yanmar, and Sany

The company began as HB Attachments – with a honey badger as the mascot – but recently consulted with Midwest marketing agency Henderson Media LLC on a rebranding package that included the new TRUE Attachments brand name, logo design, domain name registration, and upcoming website launch.

HB Attachments Inc. remains the legal entity, doing business as (DBA) TRUE Attachments.

About TRUE Attachments: TRUE Attachments designs, manufactures, and distributes high-quality aftermarket excavator accessories, including buckets, rippers, quick couplers, rakes, thumbs, and grapples, which are distributed through wholesale partnerships with heavy-equipment dealerships in the U.S. The corporate office and warehouse are located at 3045 E Chestnut Expressway, Suite K, Springfield, MO 65802. The phone number is (417) 522-6091. The website is https://TRUEattachments.com.

About Kelly Russell: Kelly Russell has more than 30 years in the earthmoving equipment and attachments industry – both as the manager of a nine-figure rental fleet with a large sales team and as the owner of a new-equipment dealership. He oversees the overall vision of TRUEAttachments, product engineering and manufacturing, and wholesale dealer partnerships.

About Henderson Media LLC: Henderson Media is an award-winning marketing agency located in Springfield, Missouri, specializing in reputation management, web design and website hosting, content creation, and other digital marketing services.