Polaris Tribology Laboratory Central America is the company’s sixth facility since its establishment in 1999. It will provide oil analysis products and services throughout Central America, parts of Mexico and northern South America.

Polaris, which aimed to extend its global reach with the new laboratory, said its customer base includes mining as well as road transport, power generation, industry, construction and agricultural applications.

“Sending regular oil samples to the laboratory for analysis monitors equipment and lubricant condition and will allow customers to identify and correct small problems before they cause major catastrophic failures,” Polaris Laboratories chief executive officer Bryan Debshaw said.

“They will also have access to extensive field support and training to help them develop and implement a successful oil analysis program.”

Customers of the new facility will receive analyzing and interpretation of data and maintenance recommendations for tests completed, and will also have 24-hour access to the reports and extensive data management tools in Spanish through the Polaris Horizon web-based reporting application.

Debshaw said the Guatemala opening is an extension of the company’s “one lab, multiple locations” business model.

“Using multiple testing facilities that share one database gives global companies the ability to manage large equipment maintenance programs around the world from virtually anywhere,” he said.

“This new facility will also expand the services and support we currently provide to our existing customers and private label programs with a presence in Central America.”

Other Polaris laboratories are located in Indianapolis, Indiana; Houston, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Atlanta, Georgia; and Edmonton, Alberta.