In 1980 a contract lab was formed to support Dr, Bill Berry, who was an expert in coal petrography. This lab was in Pittsburgh, Pa and functioned for several years to support his work until his retirement. Dr. Berry was a key figure in a very significant issue with the spontaneous combustion of coals in transit during the early 1980’s.
Troy Stallard was named President of Std Labs in 1980 after serving as Vice President for six years. Gladys Berchtold moved to Chairman of the Board at that time. Gladys was elected to the governing board of ASTM that same year.
Melvin Holt was named manger of a new lab in New Orleans transferring from the Van Buren lab.
A new 11,000 square foot building was completed for the Whitesburg operations making it the largest coal lab facility in Kentucky.
Also in 1980, Ray Daniels replaced Allen White as the General Manager of Standard Instrumentation after Allen decided to pursue other business interests.
Andy Watkins replaced his father that year as lab manager at the Corbin, Ky facility.