Smithers Rapra now testing to R117 standard in China

Tyre, rubber, plastics and composites specialist Smithers Rapra has announced that its operation in Suzhou, China has been certified to test to the United Nation’s Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) R117 standard by TÜV NORD. The company says adding the ECE R117 standard test capabilities for rolling resistance and road noise will support international tyre makers with testing systems that ensure the highest product integrity.

“Our operations in Suzhou were established to better serve global corporations with Chinese operations and local Chinese clients with tyre, rubber and polymer component testing,” said Jim Dowey, president of Smithers Rapra. “The ability to test to the ECE R117 standard was the product of a stringent qualification process to ensure that our operations were in compliance with the highest standards of independent testing accuracy and quality as established by the UNECE.”

“This new testing capability further establishes Smithers Rapra as an accredited tyre and wheel testing laboratory in China,” added Derek Read, general manager, Smithers Rapra (Suzhou) Testing Co., Ltd. “The independent testing experiences our customers depend on in other regions of the world can now be conducted in China as well.”

In addition to ECE R117, the Suzhou facility tests to the following standards: SAE J1269, SAE J2452, ISO 18164 and ISO 28580.