Chemical firm’s Shanghai based R&D centre will grow by 17,500 square metres and house 150 more researchers

US chemicals giant DuPont has announced the opening of the second phase of its Chinese research and development centre, based in Shanghai. The centre was first opened in 2005 to provide products and solutions for the local market, as well as enabling collaboration with local universities. The expansion, which will increase the size of the site from 16,500m2 to 34,000m2 and add 150 members of staff, will focus on developing materials for solar energy, bio-based materials and automotive materials and testing capabilities.

‘We see greater potential for innovation in China since the government has been aggressively implementing the strategy of innovation driven development at a faster pace,’ said Tony Su, DuPont’s Greater China president. ‘As a science company, DuPont believes innovation is an inclusive process.  With this expansion, we will be able to foster more collaboration with local governments, companies, academics and organisations in China to find science-based solutions for a sustainable future.’