Published: 10/19/2021
(Ravenna, Ohio) – October 19, 2021 - Smithers, a leading provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services, announces that Kenneth McGinnis has been promoted to Manager of Operations for Force and Moment (F&M) Testing and Adam Hubbell has been promoted to the role of Technical Sales Representative at the Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio.
McGinnis will be responsible for managing all tire force and moment testing in support of the partnerships between Smithers and six major tire manufacturers, as well as individual clients. The testing provides physical tire performance data on steering, handling, and braking characteristics that is used in support of tire and vehicle, research, development, and modeling. Smithers’ F&M testing capabilities in North America include an MTS Flat-Trac III and an MTS CT-Plus.
McGinnis joined Smithers in 2006 as a test engineer in the product testing lab in Akron, Ohio, and also assumed the quality coordinator role for all laboratories at Smithers’ Market Street location. He specialized in mechanical, fluid, and electrical testing along with construction of standard and custom test rigs for a wide range of testing projects spanning many industries. In 2017, he was promoted to Product Testing Supervisor.
“Kenny has been working in Smithers test laboratories and supporting our commitment to accurate data for years,” said Jim Popio, Vice President of North American Operations, Materials Science and Engineering, Smithers. “With his deep knowledge of the automotive industry and his dedication to building strong relationships with our clients, I am confident that he will be a great asset to our valued partners in the tire industry in his new role.”
McGinnis has over fifteen years of hands-on testing and project management experience. He has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron.
Hubbell started at Smithers in 2017 as a laboratory technician at the tire and wheel lab. Starting in 2018, he was focused on the lab’s new MTS Flat-Trac system and was a crucial part of the force and moment (F&M) team. In 2019, Hubbell was promoted to Technical Sales Representative at the Smithers chemical analysis and material properties testing laboratories in Akron, Ohio.
In his new role, Hubbell will serve as a liaison between tire and wheel testing clients and technical experts. His role will include contract and project management as well as customer service. He will also manage several major compliance programs for tire distributors.
“At Smithers, our top priorities are accurate data and excellent customer service,” said Mike Nehls, General Manager, Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center. “Adam has practical knowledge of the testing process and significant experience working directly with Smithers clients to understand their testing needs. His strong technical and service background will be a great benefit to our tire testing clients.”
Hubbell has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining Smithers, he worked as a logistics technician at an automotive supply retailer.
The
Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center offers a broad range of testing services for measuring performance, durability, and other characteristics of passenger car, light truck, agricultural, fleet truck,
off-the-road (OTR), and specialty tires. Smithers also has tire testing laboratories in China and the United Kingdom, providing testing services and accurate data worldwide.
For more information about Smithers, please visit
https://www.smithers.com/
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About Smithers:
Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. With laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Smithers supports customers in the transportation, life science, packaging, materials, components, consumer, dry commodities, and energy industries. Smithers delivers accurate data, on time, with high touch, by integrating science, technology, and business expertise, so customers can innovate with confidence.
