Avon Rubber's MDC is re-launched as a rubber consultancy

Westbury, UK -- Avon Rubber plc has set up a rubber consultancy company named ARTIS (Avon Rubber Technology Innovation and Science), utilising the knowledge and expertise of its materials development centre (MDC). The move follows Avon's decision to sell its mixing plant also located in Westbury.

ARTIS, based in Westbury, Wiltshire, will be dedicated to material testing, research and development, training, legislative support including expert witness capability, offering cost effective expertise in all of these specialist areas, said Avon, in a 19 Nov statement.

The new company will help Avon with many programmes, including the new Joint Service General Purpose mask (JSGPM) designed to equip the US armed forces.

ARTIS will also develop specific product test methods or equipment and conduct accelerated lifetime prediction studies to determine how long products will last in service, said Avon, in the statement.

“As would be expected from our history in a production based company, we have a fantastic team of experienced problem solvers who deal with the practical and not just the academic,” said Martyn Bennett, Research and Development scientist with ARTIS, in the statement.

When Avon announced the sale of its rubber mixing unit, it said it would keep the MDC. This appears to be Avon's method of keeping the MDC staff while at the same time opening their skills to a wider audience.

“We have a huge contribution to make to the market with our vast range of expertise and some unique pieces of equipment,” he added.