Periodic table of growth: Chemical Solutions expects 30 percent growth this year

Brian LaBine set a goal in March of doubling his chemical-analysis business within five years.

The business, SGS, might get there a little sooner.

LaBine expects the company to finish the year at $3.5 million in sales, up from $2.7 million last year. Chemical Solutions is an independent testing laboratory specializing in trace-level elemental analysis of metals, minerals and other elements.

The lab, which employs 25 people, recently moved to downtown Harrisburg from Mechanicsburg. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will be held noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday with Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

Staff growth is following the change of address, Labine said. “We hired one right after we moved and are interviewing another now.”

Chemical Solutions bought a 16,000-square-foot building at 931 N. Seventh St. in March, more than tripling what it had in its Mechanicsburg space. Following renovations, the company moved into the Harrisburg office over Labor Day weekend.

(This article, by Jason Scott, appeared in the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal on October 19, 2015.)