Smithers, auto tester enter JV

AKRON (March 2)—Smithers Scientific SErvices Inc. has entered into a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc. subsidiary Auto Testing Co. Inc. to conduct durability testing in the U.S. for DaimlerChrysler Corp. Under the agreement, the new joint venture firm, Automotive Testing DRIVEtech L.L.C., will be located at the Automotive Testing Properties Proving Ground in Laredo, Texas, formerly owned by Michelin North America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Smithers will manage the new firm, which will employ about 80, and more than $3.5 million will be invested in the Laredo facility to add a 14,000-sq.-ft. administrative building and other facilities, Smithers said.