This week the agency is opening our new laboratory facility in Rockville, Maryland. This is a long awaited move for our staff. For years we have recognized that the old lab was outdated and needed to be modernized. This is a need I flagged for our Congressional appropriators back when I first assumed the role of acting chairman and, in that role, I was very pleased that we were able to finally sign the lease for 5 Research Place in early 2009. This came about only because of very hard work on the part of a number of senior career staff and, especially, the agency’s long-time executive director, Patsy Semple. Even though the time it has taken to finally move in was much longer than anticipated, the move will greatly benefit the agency, and ultimately the consumer.
It is obvious that, for the agency to move into the 21st century, we need 21st century technology and facilities. With the new lab, this goal is being realized. Now our engineers and scientists will be under one roof and better able to communicate with each other, while still having close access to CPSC Headquarters. The space will allow for more product testing, more kinds of product testing, and quicker turn around on test results. I am proud that I, together with so many on the lab improvement team, could be a part of furthering our agency’s goal of protecting American consumers. I look forward to all the great things that will come out of 5 Research Place in the future and congratulate everyone involved in the process of upgrading our research facilities.
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