Enfield, CT, February 4, 2004 -- Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. (STR) of Enfield, Connecticut, the largest full service, privately-owned consumer product quality assurance testing and compliance monitoring company in the world, today announced the expansion of its candle testing laboratory. The new 500 square foot laboratory is located at STR’s world headquarters in Enfield, CT and is capable of evaluating over 120 candles.

Staff dedicated exclusively to candle testing will oversee the new laboratory with continuous monitoring for high flame, excessive smoke, liquid wax release, and self-extinguishing wicks.

“STR has been a leader in the candle testing safety and quality field for many years. Now, having the capability to test more than 120 candles at one time makes us an even more important player in this growing industry,” said Tom Harney, Manager of Technical Services at STR.

Over the past five years, STR has been aggressively expanding its consumer products testing operations – with new or expanded laboratories in China, France, India, Israel, Peru, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. – and the expansion of its candle testing laboratory is part of this growth strategy. STR has been part of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F15.45 Candle Subcommittee since its inception back in 1997.

Founded in 1944, Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. has grown into the largest full service, privately-owned consumer product quality assurance testing and compliance monitoring company in the world with fully accredited laboratories and inspection offices in over 30 countries over five continents. STR offers a wide range of quality assurance, compliance consulting, and ISO registration services to retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers of consumer hard, soft, and consumable goods. STR is the first consumer products testing company in the U.S. to earn the ISO-9002 accreditation.