The President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, inaugurated the new R&D Center of the Japanese company established in Castellon (Spain). Guests attending the ceremony included the presidents of the Castellon Provincial Council, of the University and the Port, the Regional Minister of Economy,and representatives of various research institutions with whom UBE keeps close relation in the field of innovation.
Mr. Bruno de Bièvre (president of UBE Corporation Europe) and Mr. Masahiko Nojima (General Manager of the Europe and Americas Operational Unit, Chemicals Co. UBE Industries Ltd.) hosted the ceremony on behalf of UBE.
The program included visits to the new laboratories, guided by the young but qualified staff, and keynote speeches, by Mr. Naohito Watanabe, Consul general of Japan in Barcelona (Spain) and Ms. Amparo Marco, mayoress of Castellon city.
In his closing words, Mr. Ximo Puig highlighted how “The Valencia Region is keen on developing an economy based on talent and research, areas where UBE can play out a crucial role”. The official inauguration concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
In the 2,000 m2 new laboratories, more than 30 technicians will work in synthesizing and characterizing new products, offering technical support to customers and also running new pilot plants facilities. UBE Corporation Europe has recently increased the investment in R&D, devoting more than 1% of total sales. The main innovation activities are focused on the synthesis of new polycarbonate diols, polyamides and other high performance intermediates, as well as the development of new applications for food packaging, automotive, coatings, elastomers, adhesives & sealants, among others.
This new R&D center will reinforce the cooperation with customers, technical institutes and universities to innovate and develop industrial and technological solutions, sustainable and more environmentally friendly due to lower resources consumption. UBE will strengthen the technical assistance to customers in Europe, America, Middle East and Africa.
