Smithers names Hodges as technical director at tire, wheel center

AKRON, Ohio—Smithers, a testing, consulting and compliance service firm with offices and research spots in the U.S., United Kingdom and China, has added Cliff Hodges to its team.

Hodges takes the role of technical director for the North America Tire and Wheel Test Center, based in Ravenna, Ohio. The appointment takes effect immediately.

"Cliff has hands-on technical engineering experience, as well as strong business acumen," said Matt Kent, general manager, Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center. "His unique blend of technical and leadership experience will be a tremendous asset as we continuously strive to expand and enhance our service offerings to support our valued clients in the tire and wheel industry."

Hodges will be charged with directing technical and quality requirements for "force and moment testing, tire modeling and other special tire characterizations and evaluation methods."

He also will be in charge of managing and advising technical staff and technical decision-making.

Hodges previously worked in management and test engineering, as well as in a position as a technical specialist at the Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation.

The Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center measures performance, durability and other characteristics of passenger car, light truck, agricultural, fleet truck, off-the-road and specialty tires.