Owens Corning to offer testing services

Granville, OH--Owens Corning's research and scientific testing capabilities date back more than 65 years. During this time the company has introduced many new materials and products, and, in so doing, developed the test methods and equipment needed to measure and evaluate product performance. It also has established a long partnership with ASTM. In fact, 45 staff members currently serve on 18 ASTM technical committees and subcommittees.

With this long history of product and testing expertise, as well as litigation management (asbestos law suits) as a backdrop, Owens Corning decided to form a wholly-owned subsidiary, Integrex, and offer these same services to existing and new customers, as well as other perspective commercial and public clients. The subsidiary derives its name from "integrated" and "expertise." It consists of two business units: Owens Corning Testing Systems and Owens Corning Litigation Management Systems.

"Establishing this new service business will leverage the value of our resources, and ultimately generate new sources of profitable growth for our company," reports Owens Corning Chairman and CEO Glen H. Hiner. "Over the years, we've gained a great deal of experience developing our capabilities in scientific testing and torte litigation. The senior management team leading Integrex will now be able to focus its efforts on marketing and selling that expertise to other companies."

That team includes: Senior Vice President, Owens Corning General Counsel, and Integrex Board Chairman Maura Abeln; Integrex CEO Mike Gengenheimer; Owens Corning Testing Systems Director Julie Stahl; and Owens Corning Litigation Management Vice President Clyde Leff.

The first Integrex division, Owens Corning Testing Systems, is based at the company's Science and Technology Center in Granville, OH. "Since 1938, we've pioneered and managed testing systems and innovations to support Owens Corning's global materials and manufacturing business," Stahl explains. "In the process, we have developed highly refined competencies in thermal, acoustical, fire, mechanical performance, and analytical testing, in addition to special capabilities in scientific problem solving. Now, we are offering this expertise to a diverse group of other industries and markets."

The new company will perform product and analytical testing not only for companies, but for labs, universities, and manufacturing facilities. Among the leading candidates for these services are: appliance, automotive, telecommunications, aerospace, and marine industries. Among the resources available:

- Thermal Lab, used to test material thermal conductivity.

- Physical/Mechanical Lab, for conducting mechanical strength tests and evaluating engineered composites, yarns, mats, fabrics, and other reinforcements.

- Fire Lab, used to test for product safety and code compliance.

- Noise and Vibration Control Lab, with reverberant and anechoic chambers, to test or predict performance of materials, products, and systems for flow resistance, propagation constant and characteristic impedance, and sound absorption, transmission, power, and intensity.

- Analytical Testing Lab, used to evaluate quality issues involving glass, glass batch, and glass raw materials, thermoplastic and thermoset-reinforced composite systems, polymers, and additives.

Stahl adds: "We can integrate our network of scientists, technicians, and laboratories to ensure consistent, accurate, and credible results for our customers."