AKRON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smithers, an independent global leader in delivering trusted testing, consulting and information based solutions to a wide variety of industries, announced a series of expanded capabilities at its Smithers Rapra Suzhou, China testing laboratory during a recent client event.
The lab achieved ISO/IEC 17025 in 2013 and has been providing tire testing for a wide variety of specifications including SAE, GMW, ASTM and ISO protocols to the Chinese market for several years. Clients gained a first-hand look at the work performed by the Smithers team to support their growing needs for testing and support services.
“We’re executing our strategy to expand our expertise and capabilities for tire, rubber and polymer component testing in China,” said Jim Dowey, President, Smithers Rapra. “Our clients shared their needs and we listened. The result is an increased scope of services that will help to support our clients’ current testing needs today and into the future.”
The following new testing capabilities have been added to the Smithers Rapra Suzhou laboratory:
- Long-term oven aging and endurance tire testing
- Radial and cornering fatigue testing of Passenger Car Radial (PCR) wheels
- Rolling resistance of Truck & Bus Radial (TBR) tires
- Radial and cornering fatigue testing of Truck & Bus Radial (TBR) wheels
With these capabilities, Smithers Rapra is able to support the rolling resistance requirements of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) Regulation No. 117 as well as the ISO 28580 specification that is commonly used for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay verification. Both standards are critical to supporting the sale of tires to the U.S. and European markets by Chinese tire manufacturers.
In addition to Smithers Rapra’s testing capabilities, the client event showcased Smithers Quality Assessments’ key management systems support services. Another company within the Smithers Group, Smithers Quality Assessments assists clients with supply chain management, internal quality system audits, process improvement as well as quality and environmental management systems training.
“China’s role as the source of much of the world’s manufactured goods provides us with the opportunity to support our clients with services geared toward improving their processes and overall quality control,” stated Jeanette Preston, President, Smithers Quality Assessments. “Having a knowledgeable, local team in China to assist manufacturers with their business growth initiatives has been a critical piece of Smithers’ plan for strategic growth.”
The Suzhou facility provides analysis, training and testing for a wide spectrum of products and a variety of industries, including tire and wheel, automotive, transport, consumer, pharmaceutical and medical, and industrial, such as construction, utilities and power generation.
About Smithers Rapra:
Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the plastics and rubber industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire and wheel, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, industrial, and consumer products. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers’ goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients’ products. Please visit www.smithersrapra.com.
About Smithers Quality Assessments
Smithers Quality Assessments is an Akron, OH-based accredited quality and environmental management systems certification body, founded in 1993, serving small and large industrial, commercial, government and services businesses in North America and Europe.
Companies work with Smithers Quality Assessments when seeking certification to the following ISO standards:
ISO 9001:2008
ISO 14001:2004
OHSAS 18001:2007
ANSI/AIHA Z10
CSA Z1000
ISO/TS 16949:2009
AS 9100C
ISO 13485:2003
Please visit www.smithersregistrar.com.
About The Smithers Group:
Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Apex, Smithers Avanza, Smithers Pira, Smithers Quality Assessments, Smithers Rapra, and Smithers Visicient. Each Smithers Group company provides technology-based services focused on a defined market. As a group, the diversity of market sectors and technologies provides stability and a platform for long-term growth. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers’ goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients’ products, by utilizing testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. All Smithers companies are known by their clients as Trusted Providers of Innovative Solutions. For more information, visit www.smithers.com.
You can reach the Smithers North America office at:
425 West Market Street
Akron, Ohio 44303
Telephone: 330-762-7441
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