FMC opens new research centre in China

US-based FMC has opened its new Asia Innovation Center in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in Pudong, Shanghai, China.

The company will use the new facility for research and development, technical innovation, operational support and executive management in the Asia Pacific region.

The nine-storey centre houses around 180 FMC scientists, technicians, sales and marketing personnel, support staff, and executive leaders.

The new 22,000ft² facility features world-class laboratories for crop protection research and accommodates all the facilities needed to develop new functional ingredients, which will be used in the health and nutrition markets.

FMC president, CEO and chairman Pierre Brondeau said: "FMC has grown dramatically in recent years. An important element of our strategy has been a greater focus and investment in Asia where our products and technologies have tremendous opportunities.

"The FMC Asia Innovation Center represents our commitment to this important region and underscores our resolve to meet the growing – and often unique – technology needs of the diverse customers and markets we serve throughout the Asia Pacific region."

FMC Asia president Bob Trogele said: "Whether it’s new agricultural products to safely improve crop yield, naturally-derived functional ingredients to enhance food texture and stability, or the latest lithium products to improve battery performance, FMC has always answered the call for smart innovation that solves complex challenges."

FMC, which reported annual sales of around $3.9bn in 2013, operates through three business segments: FMC Agricultural Solutions, FMC Health and Nutrition, and FMC Minerals.