FMC Corporation Breaks Ground for New Asia Innovation Center in Shanghai

The Asia Innovation Center is an example of the transformation that FMC is making to leverage its size and strength in existing businesses to better serve customers in these important markets.

4/7/2011 --- FMC Corporation, a leading global diversified chemical company, has broke ground for its new Asia Innovation Center in the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in the Pudong area of Shanghai, China. The Innovation Center is expected to open in late 2012 and will be the company’s hub for research and development, technical innovation, operational support and executive management for FMC in Asia.

“Asia has always been important for FMC in agricultural products, food ingredients and lithium technology,” said Pierre Brondeau, FMC president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board.  “We recognize the rapid growth and development occurring in Asia and the establishment of this new innovation center is a symbol of our commitment not only to China but the entire Asian region.”

FMC expects to grow rapidly over the next five years with more than 50 percent of the company’s sales coming from rapidly developing economies with China and Asia playing a critical role, said Brondeau.  The Asia Innovation Center is an example of the transformation that FMC is making to leverage its size and strength in existing businesses to better serve customers in these important markets.

The new Innovation Center will house 200 FMC scientists, technicians, sales and marketing personnel, support staff and executive managers with room for expansion.  The new facility is designed to utilize advanced green technologies.

“We believe this new facility will enhance our already strong collaboration with customers and allow us to develop technologies that will improve their products,” said Brondeau.  “We will also establish stronger partnerships with local cooperative enterprises, academic institutions, government and industry organizations that will further enhance our global R&D capabilities and provide important support for the Chinese market as well. The innovation center will enhance our ability to attract, develop and retain the kind of talent necessary to serve our customers and advance the state of technology in the region.”

FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products.  The company employs approximately 4,900 people throughout the world.  The company operates its businesses in three segments: Agricultural Products, Specialty Chemicals and Industrial Chemicals.