Testing Insights from the Lab – January 2026 newsletter
From the GPTesting Team
We’re excited to start the new year with incredible news: GPTesting has successfully renewed our A2LA accreditation through December 31, 2027! This milestone reinforces our commitment to delivering the precision, quality, and reliability that our automotive partners depend on every single day.
As we move forward in 2026, our focus remains unchanged: providing you with accredited, traceable test data that gives you confidence in your materials and keeps your projects moving forward.
Here’s what’s new from the lab this month 👇
🏆 Featured Blog Post: GPTesting Renews A2LA Accreditation Through 2027
Big news from Harper Woods! We’re proud to announce that Ghesquiere Plastic Testing has successfully renewed our A2LA accreditation (Certificate No. 0079.01) for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliance — valid through December 31, 2027.
This isn’t just a certificate on the wall. It’s your assurance that every test we perform meets the highest international standards for technical competence and quality management. It means our results are recognized and accepted by automotive OEMs worldwide.
What This Means for You:
✓ Test results you can trust — backed by rigorous third-party validation
✓ Compliance with Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and other OEM requirements
✓ Reduced risk and faster approvals for your materials and components
✓ A testing partner committed to continuous improvement and excellence
Our accreditation covers an extensive scope of mechanical testing methods — from flammability and weathering to tensile and impact testing — ensuring we can support your most critical validation needs.
Key Takeaway: Working with an A2LA accredited lab isn’t just smart — it’s essential for automotive compliance and gives you a competitive advantage in bringing quality materials to market.
🔬 Technical Spotlight: Is Your Material Ready for Testing? Download Our Testing Readiness Checklist
Starting a new testing program can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re coordinating with suppliers, meeting tight timelines, and ensuring OEM compliance. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive Testing Readiness Checklist to help you prepare.
Our checklist walks you through:
- Sample preparation requirements and quantities needed
- Documentation you’ll need (material specs, test standards, acceptance criteria)
- Timeline planning to avoid bottlenecks
- Key questions to ask before scheduling tests
- How to communicate requirements to your testing lab
Key Takeaway: Proper preparation saves time and money. Use our checklist to ensure your testing program runs smoothly from day one — no surprises, no delays, no re-testing.
👉 Download the Testing Readiness Checklist
💡 From the Field: Real Data, Real Confidence
Every day, we help OEMs and suppliers turn raw data into confident product decisions. Here’s how we’re supporting our clients this season:
- Weathering & Environmental Exposure: Simulating months of UV and humidity in a matter of weeks
- Mechanical & Impact Testing: Quantifying real-world durability with Charpy, Izod, and flexural analysis
- Surface Durability: Evaluating scratch, scuff, and abrasion resistance to meet interior and exterior appearance standards
Whether it’s testing new materials or requalifying existing ones, GPTesting delivers accredited, traceable data that OEMs recognize and trust.
🚗 Happening Now: The 2026 Detroit Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is back at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit, running through January 25, 2026!
With 41 major automotive brands showcasing the future of mobility, this year’s show is packed with innovation.
What’s Making Headlines:
- North American Car, Truck & Utility of the Year Awards: The Dodge Charger Sixpack took home Car of the Year, Ford Maverick Lobo won Truck of the Year, and the Hyundai Palisade earned Utility of the Year honors
- Indoor EV Experience: Test drive electric vehicles on a serpentine track featuring an acceleration lane stretching 300 feet
- Michigan Overland Adventure: New for 2026, showcasing adventure-ready vehicles and off-road capabilities
- The Gallery: Ultra-luxury vehicles on display for automotive enthusiasts
- Mobility Global Forum: C-level executives discussing the changing world of mobility and transportation
Why It Matters to Materials Testing: Every vehicle on that show floor represents countless hours of materials testing and validation. From interior trim that must withstand UV exposure and temperature extremes, to exterior components tested for impact resistance and weathering durability, the innovations you see at the Auto Show are backed by rigorous testing data.
As automotive technology evolves — whether it’s new electric vehicle materials, sustainable composites, or advanced polymer systems — the need for accredited, precise testing becomes even more critical.
Can’t make it to the show? Follow us on LinkedIn for highlights and insights from the show floor!
📋 Quick Lab Tip: Plan Ahead for Q2 Material Qualification
If you have programs launching in Q2 or later this year, now is the time to schedule your validation testing. Weathering, flammability, and mechanical tests often require extended exposure or conditioning time.
Booking early helps:
- Secure priority lab scheduling
- Align with OEM reporting deadlines
- Avoid mid-year testing bottlenecks
- Allow time for potential re-testing if needed
🔬 Thank You for Reading
At GPTesting, accreditation isn’t just about meeting standards — it’s about earning your trust every single day. We’re honored to be your partner in materials testing and to help you bring innovative, durable products to market.
If you’d like to discuss how our accredited testing capabilities can support your upcoming projects, or if you have questions about OEM requirements, our team is here to help.
📞 Contact Eric Christopher (Head of Client Success):
Phone: 313-885-3535
Email: eric.c@gptesting.com
Website:https://gptesting.com/
Until next time —
The GPTesting Team
Your Deadline is Our Priority.
