SI Group has opened its European Innovation Centre in Four Ashes, United Kingdom, expanding the company’s global research and development network. The state-of-the-art site is equipped with advanced tools and resources to support a wide range of research activities. With a dedicated focus on plastics and rubber application development, as well as analytical characterization, the centre is designed to strengthen R&D and application development to better serve customers in regional markets. According to the company, the EIC will operate as a collaborative hub where teams work with customers and industry partners to address technical challenges and to progress sustainable innovation in target applications. The opening aligns with SI Group’s portfolio in performance additives, process solutions and chemical intermediates, linking laboratory capability with commercial needs across multiple end uses.
"The opening of the European Innovation Centre represents a significant investment in SI Group’s global innovation capabilities," said Robert Kaiser, VP Strategic Marketing and Managing Director, EMEA, at SI Group. "Together with our five additional Innovation Centers, we’re building a robust, globally connected R&D network that enhances competitiveness, delivers advanced solutions tailored to regional needs, and supports the long-term growth of our business."
Scope and capabilities
The Four Ashes facility adds capacity for plastics and rubber application development and for analytical characterization. The laboratory infrastructure is intended to support diverse research activities and collaborative projects with customers and industry stakeholders, with the objective of resolving technical challenges and accelerating development cycles.
Global innovation network
In addition to the new UK centre, SI Group operates Innovation Centers in:
- Houston, Texas, USA
- Rotterdam Junction, New York, USA
- Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
- Lote, India
- Shanghai, China
Inaugural event
The inaugural event featured a tour of the facility and a keynote address by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, delivered on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III. Media representatives and industry professionals were invited to attend.
