Huntsman to invest US$40 mln in technology centre at Shanghai

27-Sep-11

Huntsman Corporation announced that it will invest approximately US$40 mln to build a new Asia Pacific Regional Technology Center (ATC) in Shanghai’s Minhang Economic & Technological Development Zone, to support the rapidly growing demand for world-class technology and innovation from customers across the Asia Pacific region. The state-of-the-art facility will comprise machine halls, laboratories and offices, accommodating up to 400 technical experts, and will replace the existing Technology Center, located nearby, which was first opened in September 2008. This facility will complement existing Technology Centers in The Woodlands, Texas and Brussels, Belgium as well as smaller regional centers. Construction for the new ATC is expected to commence in January 2012, with completion planned for mid-2013. In parallel, part of the existing Technology Center will be converted into an auditorium and display area, which together with the new facility will form an integrated technology and innovation campus. Anthony P Hankins, Huntsman’s CEO Asia Pacific commented: “The expansion of our research and technology capability in this key region reflects Huntsman’s desire and commitment to grow in partnership with our customers by delivering innovative solutions more effectively and efficiently. The Huntsman technology center will be completely aligned to support Asia's fast-growing industries, including developing new energy-saving material solutions for the strategic industries as outlined in China's 12th Five-Year Plan.”