Smithers Rapra, UK subsidiary of the US-based independent testing, consulting and contract research organisation, The Smithers Group, expands its publications business to the US and launches its first publications distribution and sales centre.
In the first major Anglo-US initiative since Rapra Technology was bought out of Administration by The Smithers Group in April 2006, the company expects to see its US sales centre become the premiere supplier of technical polymer information resources to industry and academia in The Americas.
“ We are very excited to open a new distribution and sales office for the Americas, it is a market that we expect will be an important part of our overall growth strategy going forward,” said Smithers Rapra’s Managing Director, Jim Dowey.
The Smithers Rapra publications sales centre will leverage both the strength of the brand as well as the established infrastructure, support network, facilities and other assets of its parent company, The Smithers Group. Leading the centre is newly appointed publisher Jack Bashian. Mr. Bashian, who will be based at The Smithers Group head offices in Akron, Ohio, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, business development, marketing and sales activities.
“Smithers Rapra publications are already a well established brand in the UK and Europe. In the US and the Americas, we have identified a huge gap in the availability of quality polymer related information products.
“Through setting up a dedicated distribution and sales centre in this market, means we can supply publications directly to our American customers as well as ensuring that we continue to expand and develop titles which meet their needs. Our goal is to be the leading global supplier of polymer related technical books, practical guides, journals and digital products to the academic and corporate markets. The America’s are a key market in that objective,” said Mr. Bashian, who brings more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in book publishing, digital publishing and eCommerce.
Commenting on the launch of the new outlet, the company’s UK Information Group Director, Carole Lee said, “Our approach to polymer publications is unique. Our business has grown from an established knowledge of polymers as a leading provider of technical services and consultancy. What we experience as consultancy activities can quickly be translated into pragmatic, practical information products covering key industry issues as opposed to purely academic technology. ”
Smithers Rapra plans to introduce a series of new titles to add to its existing portfolio. These include: ‘Plastics, Rubber and Health’; The 2nd Edition of Introduction to Plastic Recycling’; ‘Thermoplastic Nanocomposites’. In addition, conference and training products will also be promoted.