Intertek Bentonville Footwear Center Enhances Testing

Intertek, a global leader in quality assurance, testing, and certification, has officially opened its new Footwear Center of Excellence in Bentonville, Arkansas, the headquarters city of Walmart. This strategic expansion enhances Intertek’s U.S. footprint. It adds to its 23 consumer products facilities nationwide and marks a major step toward bringing world-class testing and quality assurance closer to key American retail operations.

A Strategic Expansion for Global Quality Leadership

The launch of the Bentonville Footwear Center of Excellence underscores Intertek’s commitment to serving brands, retailers, and manufacturers across the entire product lifecycle. By establishing a local hub dedicated to footwear testing and innovation, the company aims to increase operational efficiency, reduce lead times, and elevate safety and sustainability standards throughout the supply chain.

According to Intertek’s official statement, the new center’s comprehensive testing suite will “bring quality assurance closer to U.S. operations.” It improves efficiency, reduces lead times, and ensures quality, safety, and sustainability across every stage of the product lifecycle.

This development not only reinforces Intertek’s role as a trusted global partner in softlines and consumer goods. It also strengthens its collaborative ties with major U.S. retailers, including those headquartered in Bentonville, further aligning innovation with proximity.

Celebrating a New Chapter in Bentonville

The official opening ceremony drew key industry and community representatives, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the project.

Attendees included Michael McCranie, who represented the City of Bentonville and delivered a congratulatory letter from Mayor Stephanie Orman. Also present was Brandom Gengelbach, President and CEO of the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized the economic and professional impact of Intertek’s investment on the region’s growing retail ecosystem.

Their participation reflected Bentonville’s emergence as a hub for retail innovation and product excellence, aligning perfectly with Intertek’s mission to bring global standards to local operations.

Innovation Through Integration

During the event, Sandeep Das, Intertek’s CEO of Greater China and President of Global Softlines and Hardlines, addressed the audience. He reinforced the company’s long-standing leadership in technological innovation.

“Intertek has always been a pioneer in innovation, and this facility is equipped with the latest machines connected to our digital laboratory information management system,” Das shared. “This seamless integration of data further strengthens Intertek’s critical role in collaboration with retailers and the global footwear ecosystem.”

His remarks underscored the digital transformation driving the company’s next chapter. Here, interconnected systems, advanced analytics, and real-time quality data converge to support faster decision-making and more sustainable production practices.

Driving Efficiency, Sustainability, and Collaboration

With the Bentonville Center now operational, Intertek is better positioned to support domestic footwear brands and retailers with advanced laboratory services, sustainability assessments, and compliance solutions.

This move reduces the need for extended overseas testing cycles. It shortens timelines for brands, improves traceability, and strengthens quality control at the local level. By connecting the Bentonville site to Intertek’s global digital network, clients gain access to real-time reporting. It also provides transparent data sharing and seamless coordination across regions.

Furthermore, the center’s sustainability testing capabilities align with global retail initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, material innovation, and ethical sourcing. This ensures that the products reaching consumers meet the highest standards of quality and integrity.

A Global Legacy Rooted in Local Excellence

Founded in London, Intertek continues to expand its presence in key international markets. It empowers industries through assurance, testing, inspection, and certification solutions. The addition of the Bentonville Footwear Center of Excellence represents both a strategic expansion and a symbolic milestone. It bridges decades of expertise with a renewed focus on the future of retail and product innovation.

By establishing this center in the heart of America’s retail landscape, Intertek strengthens not only its operational reach but also its relationships with brands and communities that define the industry’s future.

Final Thoughts: Innovation Anchored in Collaboration

Intertek’s new Bentonville Footwear Center of Excellence is more than a facility. It’s a forward-looking investment in the intersection of technology, quality, and sustainability. Through this expansion, Intertek reaffirms its dedication to helping global partners innovate responsibly. It streamlines operations and delivers trusted products to consumers worldwide.

As the company continues to grow its presence in the U.S., Bentonville now stands as a symbol of Intertek’s enduring mission: to bring quality closer to where it matters most.