Brazil's Braskem SA has invested around 5 million euros to build a new European technology center within its plant in Wesseling, Germany.
The official opening ceremony was set for Oct. 7, when the plant celebrates its 25th anniversary of operations.
Braskem already operates two polymer technology centers worldwide; one in Triunfo, Brazil and one in Pittsburgh.
Braskem Europe chief executive Srivatsan Iyer, said: “We are pleased that we now have the capability to develop new products directly for the European market and to provide enhanced technical support to our clients.
“Our capabilities in research and development here in Europe, along with the expertise and facilities in our other global technology centers, will continue to enable Braskem to expand its technical leadership in polyolefins.”
The new equipment at the technology center provides instrumentation for testing, application development and new product research.
Braskem is a leading producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas. With 36 industrial plants in Brazil, the United States, Mexico and Germany, the company produces more than 15 million tonnes of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemicals per year.