Henkel launches new innovation centre in Shanghai

Henkel Adhesive Technologies, the solution provider for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings worldwide, has officially launched its Henkel Adhesives Innovation Center (HAIC), in Shanghai. The new facility, featuring a NVH Testing Lab, consumer adhesives lab and training centre, will expand Henkel Adhesive’s R&D capabilities in the region, to local China and APAC customers.

Asia Pacific, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets, ranks among Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ most valued global regions. In recognition of the huge potential of this macro region, Henkel has been continuously investing in and expanding its local R&D capabilities, to further strengthen innovation leadership and to drive profitable growth for us and our customers, says the firm.

Christian Kirsten, Corporate Senior Vice President Transport & Metal and Head of Adhesive Technologies Asia Pacific, remarks: “Henkel Adhesives Innovation Centre is well positioned to provide much-needed R&D support to help solve the most pressing challenges of our customers in China and the wider APAC region. We are excited about the possibilities this center opens up for local customers.”

“R&D is oftentimes hindered by geographical distances and barriers preventing the cross-industry application of breakthroughs in technology,” adds Kirsten. “With the rapid development of APAC markets, there is a genuine need for innovation to grasp business opportunities. This facility has been expressly designed with these considerations in mind; boasting world-class scientific talent, advanced tech equipment and ample space for collaborative endeavors.”

Covering 6,730 sq m and featuring 171 R&D and product development workstations, the HAIC has been designed to facilitate effective collaboration across project teams. HAIC’s NVH Testing Lab, replete with the latest equipment and software, will provide NVH reducing solutions to China and APAC customers through the optimisation of product design parameters.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Adhesives Lab & Training Centre Lab, featuring a number of realistic living-space environments such as a dining room, bathroom, swimming pool and carpark, will be employed to test new product applications and provide effective training for local customers.

HAIC’s Shanghai location was strategically chosen to bring Henkel Adhesives closer to customers and be increasingly responsive to local needs. As APAC nations rapidly mature, advanced technical solutions in specialist fields such as NVH reduction, essential to auto, fast train and home appliance sectors, are seeing greater demand. With its world class facilities and barrier-free approach to innovation, HAIC is sure to empower local customers with the next generation of technological breakthroughs, inspired by regional megatrends, for years to come.

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business units:

Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions, both in the consumer and in the industrial businesses, with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of EUR18.1 billion and adjusted operating profit of EUR2.9 billion in fiscal 2015. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.