SI Group — the leading Texas-based manufacturer and developer of performance additives, process solutions and chemicals intermediates — recently opened its Asia-Pacific research and development center in the Songjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone.

The facility — located in Songjiang district of Shanghai — aims to help galvanize the R&D of advanced technologies and expedite the application of sci-tech achievements to better supply Asia-Pacific customers.

It's expected to provide strong technical support for the transformation and upgrading of the district's manufacturing sector.

With 19 manufacturing plants and 1,800 employees worldwide, SI Group serves customers in 80 countries.

Its products and solutions are widely applied in such cutting-edge sectors as the new energy vehicles and new materials industries.

According to the group, the new Asia-Pacific R&D center will not only act as a frontier technology and applications incubator for market integration, but also serve as a crucial link connecting global expertise with local demand.

With a strategic "In Asia, For Asia" approach, the center will tailor products to the individual needs and growth points of Asia-Pacific customers.

Moreover, it will optimize production networks in the region and establish a localized supply chain system to enhance the group's competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific market.

Joey Gullion, senior vice-president and chief commercial officer of SI Group, said that the opening of the center was a pivotal step in the group's global strategy.

It also marked a significant move towards deepening its market presence and meeting customer demand in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Gullion said the group remains committed to innovation as a core driver of development.

It will also stay committed to increasing investment in R&D to provide efficient, eco-friendly and customized products and services to global customers, Gullion noted.

The company also reaffirmed its confidence in the development of Songjiang — aiming to establish a solid foundation for further global market expansion through close collaboration with all parties, the businessman added.

Xia Chaoqun, deputy general manager of Songjiang Economic and Technological Development Construction Group Co Ltd, said that the center would inject powerful momentum into regional economic diversification and high-quality development.

Source: Songjiang district government