9. Leases

The Company leases certain buildings and equipment under various noncancelable operating lease agreements that contain renewal provisions. Rent expense under these leases approximated $4,377,000, $3,314,000 and $2,693,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The future minimum lease payments due under operating leases as of December 31, 2015, were as follows:


2016	$	4,771
2017		4,192
2018		3,207
2019		1,918
2020		1,687
Thereafter		3,047

	$	18,822