Asia-Pacific a key target for Huntsman as it inaugurates new tech centre

The company’s Asia-Pacific CEO Tony Hankins, explains that the Asia-Pacific technology centre investment reflects Huntsman's long-term commitment to grow in partnership with its customers in the region.

“We now have a world-class technology facility in Shanghai, employing talented local scientists, developing fit-for-purpose applications that are suited to the specific needs of our customers across the region,”​ says the US-based firm’s boss.

Construction of the facility began in February last year in close cooperation with the Shanghai Minhang United Development Co. and the Government of Minhang District; and was completed on schedule in June.

“We appreciate their strong commitment and I sincerely thank them for all their support in the creation of this outstanding facility,"​ adds Hankins.

Integration​

Huntsman inaugurated its new Asia Pacific Technology Centre in Shanghai's Minhang Economic & Technological Development Zone to an audience of more than 300, including customers, local authorities, suppliers, Huntsman employees and corporate officers.

The event was hosted by company founder and chairman, Jon M. Huntsman, and Hankins.

The new $40 million facility forms an integrated technology and innovation campus together with the existing technology centre that was opened in September 2008.

The state-of-the-art facility includes machine halls, laboratories and offices and can accommodate up to 400 technical experts and will complement existing technology centres in The Woodlands, USA and Brussels, Belgium as well as smaller regional centres.

More news​

The latest announcement comes shortly after the personal care pigments producer acquired Rockwood's Performance Additives and Titanium Dioxide Businesses.

The $1.1bn deal will make Huntsman the second biggest producer of the chemical and inorganic colour pigments in the world, and is attributed to a desire to improve investor focus and appreciation for Huntsman’s differentiated businesses.