Smithers Rapra, a global expert in rubber, plastics and composites testing, has invested in expanded tire testing capabilities at its Tire and Wheel testing lab in Suzhou, China. The company says the introduction of six new testing machines will improve the laboratory’s ability to serve clients in the global tire and wheel marketplace.

“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. “This lab expansion is the latest example of our strategy to grow in line with the kinds of testing our clients request of us. We will continue to invest in new technologies and capabilities to meet the needs of the global tire and wheel industry.”

In addition to the updates to Smithers’ Suzhou facility, the company expects to complete a building expansion and the introduction of a new Flat-Trac CT Plus machine at the Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio, in 2018, in partnership with six tire companies that funded the investment. The opening of a new event center, new track surfaces and two rental buildings at Smithers’ Winter Test Center in Brimley, Michigan, is scheduled for early 2018 as well.

Smithers Rapra operates laboratories in North America, Europe and China, covering a wide variety of testing and consulting services from material chemistry and product durability testing, to tire, wheel and winter testing. Smithers’ global network of ISO 17025 accredited tire test laboratories perform a wide variety of SAE, ASTM, ISO, UNECE and EC tests supporting raw material suppliers, tire manufacturers and automotive OEMs.