Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Rubber & Plastics News
Subscribe
  • My Account
  • LogIn
  • News
  • Technology Focus
    • Features
    • Technical Papers
    • Analysis: Rubber mixing plants of the future
      Analysis: US probes dumping by ESBR suppliers
      Opinion: Tire labels stuck in a rut
      Analysis: NR pricing takes one step forward, two steps back
    • White paper: Role of tire innerliners in improving 'in-use rolling resistance'
      White paper: Why tire air retention matters now more than ever
      Nippon Soda: Use of 1,2-polybutadiene in CSM rubber applications
      Elastomers for Sustainability Top 10
  • Events
    • ERJ Events
    • ERJ Livestreams & Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Journey to Automation Awards 2020
      Sustainability: Top 10 E4S projects table
  • Maps & Reports
  • People
  • Directory
  • Digital Edition
  • Brainiac
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
January 19, 2018 12:00 AM

Smithers Rapra expands Chinese tire-testing facility

Patrick Raleigh
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    The investment in six new testing machines will improve the laboratory’s ability to serve clients in the global tire and wheel marketplace, according to the release.

    “The new testing equipment gives the Suzhou lab a 35% boost in capacity and broadens testing capabilities,” said Smithers Rapra.

    The additional testing capabilities include: Cleated tire and wheel endurance testing; wheel impact; salt spray; and tire air permeation.

    “Since the opening of our Suzhou lab in 2012, we have strived to evolve and grow with our local clients to support them with world class testing technology and service,” said Nat Leonard, president of Smithers Rapra.

    The lab expansion, he added, is part of a strategy to grow in line with client requirements.

    “We will continue to invest in new technologies and capabilities to meet the needs of the global tire and wheel industry,” stated Leonard.

    This year, the firm will expand and introduce a new Flat-Trac CT Plus machine at the Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio.

    This expansion will enhance existing force and moment capabilities with higher wheel torque and the ability to test a wider range of tire sizes.

    The project is being carried out in partnership with six tire companies who funded the investment.

    Meanwhile, the opening of a new event centre, track surfaces, and two rental buildings at Smithers’ winter test centre in Brimley, Michigan, is scheduled for early 2018.

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Synthomer dismisses takeover reports
    Synthomer dismisses takeover reports
    New-look Bridgestone to emerge under 10-year plan
    New-look Bridgestone to emerge under 10-year plan
    Sri Trang Gloves starts major capacity expansion 
    Sri Trang Gloves starts major capacity expansion 
    Free Newsletters

    Breaking news and in-depth coverage of essential topics delivered straight to your inbox.

    Subscribe today

    Get the latest news impacting the European rubber industry, from breaking news to razor-sharp analysis, in print and online.

    Subscribe now
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Youtube

    Logo
    Contact Us

    @ 2019 European Rubber Journal. 
    European Rubber Journal is published bi-monthly by NUERJ Ltd.

    Registered Office: Castle House, 89 High Street,
    Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2DF, United Kingdom. 

    Tel. + 44 (0)203 196 0141 

    Registered No. 13104613 England

    Email: [email protected]

    Website www.european-rubber-journal.com

    Customer service 

    Tel. + 44 (0)203 196 0141 

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Media Kit
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
    • Technology Focus
      • Features
      • Technical Papers
    • Events
      • ERJ Events
      • ERJ Livestreams & Webinars
      • Industry Events
    • Maps & Reports
    • People
    • Directory
    • Digital Edition
    • Brainiac