19 Nov 2008
RHODIA PRESENTS ITS NEWLY OPENED R&D CENTER IN SHANGHAI
Shanghai, China – November 19, 2008 --- Rhodia today celebrated the opening of its new world-class Research & Development facility in Shanghai, China.
Rhodia is increasing its R&D capabilities in Asia-Pacific with the creation of a new world-class facility on its existing research center in Shanghai. With this new centralized structure, Rhodia has a more geographically balanced global R&D footprint to boost its ambition of growth and development in the Asia-Pacific region.
A total of 3,000 square meters of laboratory facilities have been added to the existing facility allowing the research center to triple its staff; it will host 150 scientists and 90% of the staff will be recruited locally. The total investment is around 600 million RMB.
With this new workforce and capabilities, the Asia R&D organization will add two new major missions to its current development and customer support activities:
– Chemical Engineering and process improvement capabilities in order to support the fast growth of Rhodia industrial operations in China and in the Asia-Pacific region.
– New product innovation based on three growth technologies for Rhodia (Polyamide, Rare Earth and formulation chemistry) and tailor-made products for Asian customers particularly for the automotive, electronics, home and personal care, oilfield and agricultural formulations markets.
All these activities are driven by Rhodia’s sustainable development commitment towards the environment, energy, safety and globalisation needs.
‘Our regional teams now have the ability to develop new products and technologies targeted at our customers in the Asia-Pacific region. With the completion of this new world-class R&D facility, Rhodia has more leverage in shaping our future as well as access to the broad pool of talent in China,’ indicated Paul-Joel Derian, Rhodia Group Vice-President for Research and Development.
Reader enquiries
Rhodia Corporate
Coeur Défense, Tour A - 37 13ème étage
110, esplanade Charles de Gaulle
92931 PARIS LA DÉFENSE CEDEX
France
Notes for editors
Rhodia
Rhodia is an international chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. Leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers’ performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around six Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health & beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 15,500 people worldwide and generated sales of €5.1 billion in 2007. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.
For further details about the Group, visit Rhodia’s website at: www.rhodia.com.
Editorial enquiries
Rita Hilling
Rhodia Corporate
Alan Flower
EMG