Smithers Expanding Akron Laboratories

AKRON, Ohio--Sept. 8, 2003--Smithers Scientific Services Inc. is expanding its Akron Laboratories to increase its polymer processing and testing capabilities, primarily in the plastics market.

In a related move, Tritech Laboratories LLC is transferring all commercial testing activities from its Akron Polymer Laboratories (APL) unit, which is discontinuing operations, to Smithers' laboratories, which specialize in polymer testing and consulting services.

In addition, certain testing equipment and instrumentation from APL is being purchased and relocated to Smithers laboratories. The relocation process is expected to be completed within six weeks, according to Smithers.

"We are committed to growing our business and reinforcing our position as a leader in the polymers field," said Michael Hochschwender, president of Smithers Scientific Services. "From an operational perspective, this will broaden the services available to APL and Smithers clients, as well as attract new prospects, particularly in the polyurethane markets."

Since its founding in 1990, APL, a division of Tritech Laboratories, provided research and development and related technical services to R&D organizations, material suppliers, processors, designers and users involved with related polymer products.

"It was decided to discontinue commercial testing activities in order to concentrate on core business strategies," said Jeffrey J. Buda, president and chief executive officer of Tritech. "We are working very closely with Smithers so that our clients can anticipate no disruptions in services or scheduled work activity."

David Russell, formerly with Tritech, will join Smithers as director of polymer services.

Smithers Scientific Services, a Smithers Group company, has capabilities that include materials testing, technical consulting, management systems training and implementation, tire and wheel testing, and vehicle and component testing.

The Smithers Group is comprised of three operating companies - Smithers Scientific Services, Smithers Quality Assessments and Springborn Smithers Laboratories. Collectively, the companies maintain a global clientele in a wide range of industries.

Akron-based Tritech Laboratories began as a rubber testing business in 2000 and has since branched out into different areas to become a diversified lab, with its business evenly split between contract development and technical testing/analysis. The company acquired APL in June 2001.

For further information, log onto www.smithersscientific.com.