The Smithers Group, an independent testing, consulting and contract research organisation based in the US, is to acquire the UK’s Rapra Technology, which had been forced into administration on March 8.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation.
Based near Shrewsbury with a regional office in Billingham, Cleveland, Rapra is an independent organisation with over 80 years’ experience providing industry with technology, information and consultancy on all aspects of plastics and rubber materials. It has extensive analytical, testing and processing laboratories, holds a comprehensive database of commercial information and publishes technology and market-based journals.
Rapra becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Smithers Group, a privately-owned company with sites in Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina and Texas that provides technology and research-based services to clients worldwide. Rapra’s 118 staff transfer to the Smithers Group, which already employs 500 in the US and Europe.
Rapra ceo Andrew Ward adds: “Last year we embarked on a strategic growth plan. The past couple of weeks have caused a slight hiatus, but we are now set to continue with the full support of the Smithers Group and look forward to bringing additional and enhanced services to benefit our existing and new customers.”
Smithers Group ceo and president Michael Hochschwender adds: “Rapra’s diverse range of analytical, testing, research and information services to the rubber and plastics industry complements our activities in the USD. Rapra will provide a critical link to the UK and European markets, particularly in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.”
