Shropshire, UK (September 1, 2008) - Smithers Rapra Technology, the polymer testing, research and consulting company, has announced recently that it has re-organised its UK business into two operating companies by separating out its information business into a new entity - iSmithers.

The move follows continued expansion of the US-based parent company, The Smithers Group, and will allow the company to align its information business with its growing global client base, as well as aggressively pursue growth in new market sectors for its publications, conferences, training courses and electronic information.

Former director of information products, Carole Lee, is promoted to managing director and heads up the new global information company with immediate effect.

Carole who has been with Smithers Rapra for nearly 30 years, has led the information products group since 2001. During this time, she has built a strong reputation within the polymer industry and has driven the group's profitable growth through a series of successful diversification initiatives. In September 2007 she launched the company's first publications distribution and sales centre in the US; The company is at the forefront of REACH developments with conferences throughout the globe including China in 2009 and is already expanding its information products and events portfolio to include titles covering pharmaceutical, life science and ecotoxicology, as well as its traditional polymers.

The creation of the new iSmithers name and brand signifies the company's evolution to becoming a world leading specialist knowledge and information company. "We intend to leverage the value of our brand as we evolve the company but at the same time, we continue to benefit from close ties with all of the companies in The Smithers Group," Carole explains.

"iSmithers information products are already well established in the UK and Europe. We are developing our product portfolio in the US and the Americas and my next focus will be on increasing our sales to the Asian markets. Our goal is to be the leading global supplier of chemical, pharmaceutical, ecotoxicology and life science related information publications, electronic products and events to the academic and corporate markets," added Carole.

For more information on iSmithers publications, conferences, training courses and electronic information products, please visit www.ismithers.net.