Rhodia strengthens Asian presence with Shanghai centre

By Katie Bird

- Last updated on GMT

Rhodia has opened a new research and development centre in Shanghai in an attempt to strengthen its presence in the region.

The centre will become the fifth major R&D hub for the France-based specialty chemicals company, adding to the company’s plants in France, America and Brazil.

Rhodia’s Shanghai centre will be dedicated to the Asian market where the company is keen to expand.

In 2007, 27 per cent of Rhodia’s total sales came from the region and the company believes the new Chinese centre will help it achieve its ‘ambitious growth and development objectives’ in the region.

Already the country is at the hub of the company’s regional affairs. Over three quarters of Rhodia’s Asian workforce are employed in China, out of the 22 industrial sites in Asia, 13 are situated within the country.

Strong research team

A 70-strong research team has been created since the centre’s foundations were laid earlier this year.

However, the centre will continue to grow. According to Rhodia, by 2010 it will cover 6,500 square metres and employ a total of 150 researchers.

According to the company, the centre incorporates a ‘pilot hall’ which is designed on a modular basis allowing scientists to take their research to industrial applications as successfully as possible.

The industrial applications focused on by the centre will include developing plastics for the electronics and automotive industries, as well as high performance formulations for the cosmetics and detergents market.

In addition, researchers at the new centre will look at products for low energy consumption lamps based on rare earth elements.

Related news

Related products

show more

See our latest innovations in personal care

See our latest innovations in personal care

Content provided by Covation Bio™ PDO | 23-Oct-2024 | White Paper

At CovationBio PDO, we’re helping the world achieve its sustainability goals by enabling better performing, better-for-the planet products across a range...

Naolys: Innovating Sustainable Haircare Ingredients

Naolys: Innovating Sustainable Haircare Ingredients

Content provided by Naolys | 22-Oct-2024 | White Paper

Elevate your haircare routine with Naolys! Our brochure presents a range of universal and effective haircare products, specifically designed to nurture...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Podcast