Bayer MaterialScience (BMS, Leverkusen / Germany; www.bayermaterialscience.com) has begun an expansion of its polymer research and development centre at Pudong / China, near Shanghai. This will be the company's first Asia Pacific facility to host technical development and research for all four business units operating in the region - Polyurethanes, Polycarbonates, Coatings/Adhesives/Sealants and Thermoplastic Polyurethanes. Each of the units now will be able to provide technical service, new application development, as well as training for BMS staff and customers. The expansion will more than double the area of the centre.