ExxonMobil (Houston, Texas / USA; www.exxonmobil.com) has begun construction on a multi-million dollar expansion of its Shanghai technology centre. The expansion includes a research and development facility to support customer collaboration and growth. Opened in 2011, the 27,000 m² facility provides a full-service customer support centre housing advanced analytical and testing laboratory equipment, commercial-scale product processing equipment for blown film extrusion, injection moulding, profile extrusion and compounding, as well as tyre testing capabilities. A seven-layer cast film line is to be added soon, the company said.

Cindy Shulman, vice president of plastics and resins, ExxonMobil Chemical, said: “Asia, and in particular China, represents a strategic growth region for us. Having dedicated facilities where we can collaborate with our customers on the next generation of affordable, safe and sustainable performance applications is essential to creating innovations for packaging, automobiles, building and construction, and consumer goods that enhance people’s lives everywhere.”

The new facility, expected to be completed in early 2018, will include a large, multi-functional auditorium, training rooms and multiple meeting areas.