Umicore launches China's 1st R&D center in Waigaoqiao

Umicore Group plans to set up its R&D center in the Waigaoqiao Bonded Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: pdnews]

Umicore Group, a Belgium-based specialty metals and materials producer, will invest 15 million euros ($15.83 million) and set up its research and development (R&D) center in the Waigaoqiao Bonded Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, according to an announcement at a signing ceremony held in the bonded area on Oct 24.

"Over the past two decades, Waigaoqiao has given us more confidence in future development," said Geert Olbrechts, chief technology officer of Umicore Group.

"As a global leader in circular material technology, we will bring more innovative businesses to the Waigaoqiao area in Pudong," he added.

Umicore, a top 50 global chemical company, established Umicore Metal International Trading (Shanghai) Company in Waigaoqiao Bonded Area in 1996, making it one of Umicore's earliest investments in China.

As one of the top 50 global chemical companies, Umicore is a new energy group with comprehensive and extensive expertise in materials science, chemistry, and metallurgy. It focuses on three key businesses: catalysis, energy and surface treatment technologies, and recycling.

The new R&D center in Waigaoqiao is expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2025. [Photo/WeChat account: pdnews]

The R&D center in Waigaoqiao will cover a construction area of about 3,600 square meters. In the future, the center will serve as a platform for R&D and testing. It will enable Umicore's various business units to establish closer ties with Chinese customers and partners.

The center is expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2025. 

Over the past 33 years of development and opening-up, Pudong has grown into China's financial center. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]