Global paint supplier Hempel recently announced plans to invest in a new R&D center in Barcelona, Spain, focusing on the development of fireproof coatings, expected to be operational by the end of 2018. This investment demonstrates Hempel's commitment to further developing life-saving fireproof coating products and expanding its unique global R&D network.
Fireproof Coating (PFP)It is becoming increasingly important in the construction and oil and gas industries. When applied to the steel structures of large buildings and the surfaces of industrial oil and gas facilities, the coating expands in high-temperature environments to form a carbon insulation layer, allowing the load-bearing capacity of the steel to be maintained for up to 4 hours after a fire, thus providing valuable time for personnel to escape and for firefighters to extinguish the fire.
Hempel is a globally recognized manufacturer of fireproof coating products. Its existing fiber-based fireproof coating Hempacore series includes both fast-drying and water-based products, widely used in airports, train stations, logistics centers, sports venues, warehouses, and industrial buildings around the world. The investment in a new R&D center focused entirely on fireproof coatings will further expand the range of fireproof coating products, including the development of hydrocarbon fireproof coatings for the oil and gas industry.
Mr. Lars Petersson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hempel Group, stated:
"This new R&D center will greatly enhance our ability to conduct fire resistance tests, allowing us to expand the scope of fireproof coating product development and accelerate the speed of such product development, which is very important for our company's strategy. Many of our customers prioritize employee safety, and this R&D center will benefit these customers."
The new R&D center will employ 35 experienced technicians and scientists and will be located in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, near Barcelona, just five kilometers from Hempel's Spanish R&D center and headquarters in Polinya.(Although the Spanish headquarters was established in 1964, Hempel has been operating in Spain since the 1920s.).
Mr. Henrik Andersen, President and CEO of Hempel Group, stated:
"This newly built R&D center will become an important part of the group's global R&D network. Hempel's R&D work starts with the customer and ends with the customer. Our 15 global R&D centers work together in unity, ensuring that whether our customers are global enterprises, multinational companies, or local businesses, they receive first-class coating solutions and technical support. Fireproof coatings are a key element of our 'Path to Excellence' strategy. This R&D center focused on fireproof coatings will ensure we maintain a leading edge in this important technological field."
Overview of Hempel's new fireproof coating R&D center:
Located in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, near Barcelona, just five kilometers from the Spanish R&D center in Polinya.
Will employ 35 skilled technicians and scientists from multiple countries.
Expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2018.
The focus of research and development will be on fiber-based fireproof coatings and hydrocarbon fireproof coatings.
