Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd

Overview

Smithers Rapra Technology is part of the Smithers Group and is recognised for its world-leading independent rubber, plastic and composite expertise. Smithers Rapra provides a comprehensive service covering, testing, analysis, processing and research for the polymer industry and industries using plastics and rubber in any component, product or production process.

Working for industry

Smithers Rapra supports a varied selection of industries requiring Polymer specialisation. End-user industries include: automotive, Industrial, consumer, medical and transport. Smithers Rapra has a unique mix of on-site expertise and facilities enabling the application of an integrated approach to problem solving. The companies core capabilities lie in the skills and experience of its people, many of whom are recognised and accepted as leading experts in their field. Clients can commission individual services, specialist consultancy or participate in multi-client research projects. Assistance in obtaining funding from the European Community and UK government and/or industry, to progress research and development of polymer technology and applications can be provided.

Testing, analysis and calibration services

The physical testing, analytical and chemical laboratories at Smithers Rapra are UKAS accredited and can provide UKAS certification. Testing is also instigated to a range of national and international standards and those tailored to an individual company’s requirement. A variety of physical tests assess material properties against abrasion, fatigue, impact and stress and their performance in products in particular conditions. Smithers Rapra’s analytical and chemical laboratories undertake a variety of tasks including material identification and characterisation using a range of advanced chromatographic, spectroscopic and thermal techniques.

Consultancy services

Smithers Rapra’s plastics and rubber technical services can prevent, identify or solve problems and improve on or ensure continuing quality. Supported by comprehensive testing, analysis and information facilities, technologists can tackle most polymer related projects. Whilst details of specialist services are available on the web www.rapra.net , the following represents Smithers Rapra’s core technical expertise:

Materials selection and application support

Product design and development

Manufacturing process assessment and development

Prototyping and small scale/specialist production

Engineering and tooling

Fault and failure diagnosis

Material and Product testing and analysis

Company History

1919 - Established as RABRM (the Research Association of British Rubber Manufacturers).

1960 - Evolution into RAPRA (Rubber and Plastic Research Association) when plastics were added to the companies remit

1986 - Saw the incorporation of Rapra Technology Ltd and a board of directors were appointed

2002 - The management team of Rapra Technology Ltd, exercised a Management Buyout (MBO), acquiring the assets and liabilities of the company from Rapra Technology Ltd

2002 - The former Rapra Technology Ltd was re named Rapra Ltd and remained a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee

2006 - The Smithers Group acquired the company, renaming it Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd.

2012 - Smithers Rapra expands its offering to include events, strategic consulting, publications, business intelligence reports and the Polymer Library

Company Statistics

5,000 clients worldwide from 60 countries per annum

2,000 technical projects completed each year

Industry leading Information Centre with the world’s largest Polymer information resource

130 Employees made up of Scientists, technologists and support personnel