Smithers opens office in Shanghai

Akron, Ohio -- The Smithers Group has opened an office in Shanghai, China. This office will enable us to efficiently serve domestic Chinese companies who could benefit from our services and capabilities," said Michael Hochschwender, president and chief executive officer of The Smithers Group. "Also, a full time presence will be of value to our North American and European clients who are looking to work with China-based suppliers", he added.

Smithers said Lin Yang has been appointed director of business development for the greater China region. He will head up the Shanghai office and lead The Smithers Group's efforts in China.

Yang holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California Marshall Business School. In addition, he has as a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering from Lamar University - Beaumont, Texas and a Bachelor in chemical engineering degree from Nanjing University of Chemical Technology in Nanjing, China.

He brings more than 15 years of experience in manufacturing, corporate strategic planning, and new market development. He has served with such global companies as IMC Chemicals, U.S. Borax, Rio Tinto, and Unifi. He was most recently responsible for developing and implementing a China market strategy at Unifi.