Foundation Analytical Laboratory: Science Built, Client Driven

(Ethanol Producer Magazine) Focused on biofuels, Foundation Analytical Laboratory’s mission is to deliver exemplary customer service with scientific excellence. The Iowa-based company not only supports fleets and standalone ethanol plants, but biofuel input providers.

After a successful career in the food industry, gaining experience in processing, production and distribution, Diane Young left the corporate world in 2009 to launch Foundation Analytical Laboratory Inc. in her hometown of Cherokee, Iowa—the heartland of ethanol country. The bold decision to start her own company was years in the making. After receiving degrees in agricultural microbiology, animal/dairy science, and a minor in chemistry, Young worked in and managed in-house laboratories, which often utilized contract labs for outside testing. She found herself frustrated with the lack of customer service, as well as quality of data, from outside labs, and decided to do something about it.

“While the science of chemical and microbiological analysis is our backbone, the art of human relationships is our lifeblood,” says Young, owner and director of technical services at FAL.

While holding multiple analytical certifications in feed, pet food, environmental and food industries, FAL’s primary focus continues to be on biofuels. The personnel at FAL dedicate themselves to understanding and serving this crucial industry through higher education, an ever-growing ISO 17025:2017 accreditation, and investment in new technologies.

FAL is recognized as an industry leader not only in the chemical and microbiological analysis of coproducts, but as an expert in the analysis of mycotoxins by UPLCMSMS. Investments in high-value analytical technologies, including the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility, have allowed expanded offerings for the analysis of inputs, processes flows, coproducts, and the testing of alcohol for hand sanitizers.

The FAL Team not only supports fleets and standalone sites by offering traditional methodologies, but also excels in providing specific and proprietary analysis for research and development projects for both plants as well as biofuel input providers. READ MORE