Just seven months later, in July 2017, Smithers launched a second medical device testing facility in Akron, Ohio, specializing in Extractables and Leachables testing. This facility improved turnaround times and customer service for North American clients. A dedicated sales team and laboratory staff were hired to support the new operations.

In October 2017, Smithers opened its third new office in Shanghai, China. Although the office had opened in 2016, certification services did not begin until 2017 due to the accreditation process. The Shanghai office was strategically located to serve ISO certification needs across Asia and was staffed with talented hires, including Owen Li, who became the Head of Smithers Quality Assessments in the Asia Pacific region.

Expanding Existing Facilities

Several existing facilities were also expanded during this period. One notable expansion occurred at the Lansing, Michigan, facility, acquired with PIRA’s purchase of Lansmont Testing Services. In January 2014, Smithers launched a product testing lab at the Lansing location, focused on automotive components such as hoses and other products. This expansion allowed Smithers to offer more hands-on service to its automotive clients. 

In 2015, the Suzhou, China, facility expanded its service offerings, adding long-term oven aging, tire testing (including fatigue and rolling resistance tests), and other services to meet customer demand. In Wareham, Massachusetts, Smithers expanded its 11,500-square-foot facility to enhance its Environmental Fate and Ecotoxicology services. 

The winter testing grounds, a key facility for Smithers, also saw expansions in 2015, adding new testing areas and more garage space. In 2017, the Smithers Avanza facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland, underwent a 15,000-square-foot expansion, accompanied by the purchase of new equipment. The winter testing grounds saw additional developments, including a conference center, cafeteria, and new testing areas.

Integrating Smithers Events, Consulting, and Market Intelligence Services

The integration of Smithers acquisitions also included the business units focused on events, consulting, and market intelligence, particularly those from the 2005 acquisition of Intertech by PIRA. Intertech had been known for its conferences, market reports, and consulting services, which helped expand Smithers reach into industries like organic electronics, specialty chemicals, and pigments.

In 2015, Smithers made the difficult decision to move the former Intertech business from Portland, Maine, to Akron, Ohio. This relocation allowed Smithers to consolidate its operations, bringing the consulting and events team closer to the company’s technical experts. The shift ultimately helped Smithers PIRA stand out in the event and report industry by integrating its technical expertise with its market research, a key differentiator for the now Smithers Information Division. 

This period of integration and expansion laid the groundwork for Smithers continued growth, as it combined acquisitions, facility expansions, and service diversification into a unified strategy for the future.