ASTM International Committee D13 on Textiles has presented Robert Holcombe, senior development engineer at ITG Automotive Safety Group in Greenville, S.C., with the ASTM International Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow.  The Award of Merit is the highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to ASTM standards activities.

Holcombe was cited "for exceptional leadership and significant technical contributions in the development of standards for Committee D13 on Textiles, for outstanding efforts in the foundation and advancement of the Textile Proficiency Testing and Training programs and ongoing promotion of ASTM International Standards throughout the world."

An ASTM member since 1982, Holcombe is vice chair, End Products, of Committee D13 and works on several D13 subcommittees, serving as chair of Subcommittees D13.59 on Fabric Test Methods, General, and D13.60 on Fabric Test Methods, Specific. He is also a member of Committee E36 on Laboratory and Inspection Agency Accreditation and the ASTM Committee on Technical Committee Operations (COTCO). In recognition of his many contributions, he has received two Awards of Appreciation and a Special Service Award from D13 as well as a Service Award from COTCO.

Holcombe has more than 25 years of experience in physical and chemical textile testing and the development of product and statistical process control (SPC) support programs, proficiency test programs, and evaluation testing and certifying of various types of yarns and fabrics.  He has been in his current position at ITG since 2006 and also works as a private consultant in the areas of textile testing, quality systems and laboratory accreditation.

In addition to ASTM International, Holcombe belongs to the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists and the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation.  He holds a bachelor's degree in textile management from Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.

Release #8082/Oct08