Dow Corning Corporation, a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology, and innovation, officially opened its US$50 million China Business and Technology Centre in Shanghai. Under the legal name of Dow Corning (China) Holding Co., Ltd., the Business and Technology Center is located in the heart of Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park of Pudong New Area. The Center integrates a cutting-edge research and development facility with Dow Cornings Greater China Headquarter offices to enhance the companys innovation capability and better position the company for further growth in China.

"Innovation has been the key to Dow Cornings success. With the installation of state-of-the-art technology and development facilities, the new China Business and Technology Center will significantly spur Dow Cornings innovation abilities and better facilitate the companys sustainable development strategy in China and globally. " said Jeremy Burks, Greater China President, Dow Corning Corporation, "Todays China Business and Technology Center opening is another demonstration of the companys commitment to enhancing its innovation efforts to better serve customers in China and the Asia region."

The Business and Technology Center opening is the second major announcement for the company in just a month. In November, Dow Corning inaugurated Chinas largest integrated silicone manufacturing site -- a US$1.8 billion facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province.

"The China Business and Technology Center complements our manufacturing facilities in the Zhangjiagang site as well as in our Songjiang site, which is our Specialty Chemicals Business Asia Hub. Together, we have significantly enhanced our ability to meet Chinas growing demand for silicones, which help improve product performance and quality of life." said Burks.

The Business and Technology Center will be able to take advantage of the reliable supply of basic materials from the Zhangjiagang Site and the ability of the Songjiang Site to manufacture newly-developed finished products to meet demands across a range of markets. Together, these sites will create new applications and solutions for Chinas fastest growing industries such as solar power, wind, construction and infrastructure development, automotive and transportation, IT/electronics, and beauty and personal care. Together, Dow Corning is well positioned to meet the needs of our customers in China and Asia.

"The China Business and Technology Center is a seamless part of our global organization." said Gregg Zank, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Dow Corning Corporation. "Working together with the manufacturing and research & development capabilities in Japan, Korea, Europe and also USA, the new Center is able to leverage our global resources for synergies that create new solutions and products, not only for the Chinese customers here, but also for the regional and global customers. We innovate here in China, but for the global markets."

This Business and Technology Center will house more than 400 scientists, engineers, marketing and sales and business support professionals initially and will add more than 100 new positions in the near future. "China offers a large pool of high profile local talent. With the launch of the China Business and Technology Center, we are able to make the best use of this talent pool and develop more advanced products and sustainable solutions. " said Zank. The center will also provide a new platform for in-depth cooperation and collaboration between the company and Chinese universities and scientists.

"We believe that by consolidating this caliber of talent in one center, we can shorten the innovation cycle that turns market opportunities and new ideas into profitable solutions, thus better serving our customers in China and also in Asia," said Zank.