ASTM International Committee F13 on Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear has honored William Ells, vice president of sales at Vibram USA, Concord, Mass., with the Award of Merit. The award, which includes the honorary title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest organizational recognition for distinguished service and outstanding participation in ASTM technical committee activities. 
Committee F13 recognized Ells for his dedicated service and commitment to the development of safety standards for footwear.

A member of ASTM International since 1998, Ells is vice chairman of the committee and works on several F13 subcommittees. He played a large part in the development of ASTM F2913, which addresses the slip resistance of personal protective footwear used in a wide variety of industries. The publication of this standard was an important step in the global harmonization of safety footwear slip resistance testing.

As a global executive in the footwear industry, Ells is involved in the design, development and production of footwear and sole materials for use within military, industrial and outdoor performance markets. He has more than 30 years of experience in his field, working as vice president of sales at American Biltrite Inc., Waltham, Mass., and Quabaug Corp., North Brookfield, Mass., before assuming his current role in 2010.

In addition to ASTM International, Ells is a member of the American Apparel and Footwear Association and the Canadian Standards Association.

ASTM PR Contact: Erin K. Brennan, Phone: 610-832-9602; ebrennan@astm.org   

Release #9463