Droitwich, UK - Baxenden Chemicals, which recently became part of Chemtura Corp., has opened a new, state-of-the-art laboratory at the company's Droitwich UK site, which the UK-based operation said is "to support further growth in its range of Witcobond polyurethane dispersions (PUDs)."
This new centre is part of investment by Baxenden in this expanding business area. It also paves the way for the introduction of additional PUD capacity, which the company said will be commissioned in the second quarter of 2008.
"The new laboratories are the result of an extensive refurbishment programme. They provide the additional space, equipment and facilities to support the further research and development demanded by our customers," said Tim Hughes, managing director of Baxenden, in a company statement.
Hughes added that the laboratory will help Baxenden meet increasing demand for high-solids, water-based products. "Embracing the latest technology will enable us to continue focusing on technical excellence, the introduction of new products and meeting environmental and technical performance requirements."
Witcobond materials range from very soft to very hard PUDs, with a wide balance of properties. Baxenden said the technology used to make solvent-free, high-solids-content PUDs enables products to be formulated into one- and two-component systems for high-performance uses.
Chemtura recently increased its ownership of the company to 100 percent, by acquiring the shares formerly owned by Croda International plc.
Urethane chemicals business Baxenden has its headquarters in Accrington, UK, and offers a portfolio covering water- and solvent-based polyurethanes, acrylic polymers, acrylic emulsions, polyesters and other speciality chemicals.
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