23 Apr 2008
Rhodia to boost innovation capability in asia
Major r&d center in shanghai to open in 2008
Shanghai, China – April 15, 2008 --- Rhodia today celebrated the laying of the foundation stone for a new world-class Research & Development facility in Shanghai, China at a ceremony in the presence of Shanghai municipality representatives, R&D partners and journalists from key medias of China and Japan, The new facility, due to open in summer 2008, will reinforce the Shanghai laboratory’s position as one of the five major R&D centers of the Group. It will employ 150 scientists and provide Rhodia with a geographically balanced global R&D footprint, allowing the Group to drive its growth and ambitious development targets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Beyond its current development and customer support activities, the R&D center will be targeting Asian markets, particularly in the automotive, electronics, home and personal care, oilfield and agricultural formulations fields, developing innovative products such as:
•Luminophors for low energy lighting
•Engineering plastics, addressing automotive weight and fuel consumption
•Environmentally sustainable formulations and new solvents for paper recycling, oilfield chemicals, …etc
A major focus of the Shanghai R&D team will be on innovating for sustainable development and supporting the fast growth of Rhodia’s industrial operations in China and the Asia-Pacific region with its expertise in chemical engineering and process improvement.
“This new world-class R&D facility will allow Rhodia to shape its future in the zone, giving our regional teams the ability to develop new products and technologies targeted at our Asian and Chinese customers. It will greatly benefit from the leverage of the broad talent pool available in China”, commented Rhodia Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, during the foundation stone ceremony.
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 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.
Editorial enquiries
王燕-Jane Wang
Rhodia Corporate
梁凌-Lynn Liang
EMG China