Smithers Rapra Names VP of Technical Consulting Services & Adds New Akron Lab General Manager

AKRON, Ohio - Aug. 8, 2016 - PRLog -- Smithers Rapra, a world leader in rubber, plastics and composites testing expertise, announced today that Bruce Lambillotte has been named the Vice President, Technical Consulting for North America (http://www.smithersrapra.com/expert-support/material). In this role, Lambillotte will oversee the organization's expanding consulting business as Smithers Rapra enhances its capabilities to help clients solve their most difficult technical challenges. Christine Domer has been named the new general manager for the Smithers Rapra chemistry and physical testing laboratories (http://www.smithersrapra.com/laboratory-testing-services) in Akron, replacing Lambillotte.

Lambillotte has more than 40 years of experience in the rubber and tire industry, with over 20 years at Smithers Rapra. He will lead the technical consulting services offering, focusing on rubber and polymer product development challenges. For the past 10 years, Lambillotte has led analytical and physical properties testing services for Smithers Rapra North America. As senior technical consultant, he managed product and process-specific technical consulting activities involving polymer products. Prior to joining Smithers Rapra, Lambillotte led various product development functions for Continental General Tire Inc.

"Bruce's extensive expertise in managing testing services and as a consultant for our clients make him the ideal person to grow our technical consulting services for the rubber and tire industry," said James Popio, Vice President, Smithers Rapra North America. "The addition of Christine and her experience within the tire and chemical industries will allow us to continue to exceed our customers' expectations in the chemistry and physical testing labs."

Christine Domer joins Smithers Rapra after serving as Director of Tire Cord, Yarn and Fabric Sales at Hailide America, Inc. Domer has over 30 years of tire and chemical industry experience, including engineering and management roles at Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Akron.

About Smithers Rapra:

Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the rubber and plastics industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, transport, packaging, industrial, and consumer products. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients' products. Please visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About The Smithers Group:

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Apex, Smithers Avanza, Smithers Pira, Smithers Quality Assessments, Smithers Rapra, and Smithers Viscient. Each Smithers Group company provides technology-based services focused on a defined market. As a group, the diversity of market sectors and technologies provides stability and a platform for long-term growth. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients' products, by utilizing testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. All Smithers companies are known by their clients as Trusted Providers of Innovative Solutions. For more information, visit www.smithers.com.

You can reach the Smithers Rapra North America office at:

425 West Market Street

Akron, Ohio 44303

Telephone: 330-762-7441

www.smithersrapra.com