ASTM International has contributed $25,000 to the American Red Cross in support of the relief and recovery efforts in Japan following the earthquake and devastating tsunami. The American Red Cross offers assistance to the Japanese Red Cross in helping the many thousands of people affected by the natural disaster.

ASTM International has close ties to Japan’s national standards body, the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC), as well as to the Japanese Standards Association (JSA), one of the largest and most important distributors of ASTM standards in the world. Links between Japan and ASTM extend to the policy level.

 The president of JSA, Mr. Masami Tanaka, is currently serving a three-year term on the ASTM board of directors.  Last April, the ASTM Board held its 2010 spring meetings in Tokyo.  While in Japan’s capital, the 25-member ASTM board, along with senior staff, visited Japanese ministries, trade associations, universities and corporations.

In addition, there have been several ASTM standards development meetings and technical training courses held in Japan over the years, and Japan is currently the fifth largest consumer of ASTM products worldwide.

“ASTM International is pleased to support the relief efforts of the Red Cross,” said James A. Thomas, president, ASTM International.  “For many decades, ASTM has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Japanese standards community, and ASTM has members throughout Japan who participate in developing ASTM standards.  Our thoughts are with our Japanese friends, colleagues and with all the people of Japan at this difficult time.”

If you would like to make a contribution to the American Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org.

ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: +1-610-832-9603; bscindl@astm.org

Release #8852