DSM, Netherlands-based automotive and bio-materials specialist, opened its research and technology center for engineering plastics in Ranjangaon, Pune. The new facility will support new product and application development and deliver specific test data for its products.

Commenting on the new research center, Roeland Polet, president, DSM Engineering Plastics said, “The launch of this new research center is in line with DSM’s strategy to support and grow its business, not only with customers in India, but globally. The capabilities now available to our customers in this facility enable us to reduce further the time to market for DSM innovations.”

At the new center, DSM will support new product development using a wide variety of equipment for material and application testing, including injection molding, polymer characterization, physical property testing, and thermal analysis. The center is capable of providing test data for DSM’s wide portfolio of engineering plastics. Additional services include a laboratory scale twin screw extruder for new product development and trial runs. The facility has further scope to grow and add new testing equipment and capabilities as required.

“This facility enables our employees to improve collaboration, allowing for quicker and more efficient ways to address our customers’ challenges. We currently have 15 people in Research and Technology based at the center which will grow to 40 in the next five years,” commented Alexis Ponnouradjou, global VP (Research & Technology) DSM Engineering Plastics.

Sanjay Jain, business director, DSM Engineering Plastics India further added, “I am proud of this milestone. The new center is a great asset to research and development which will aid us in supporting the needs of our customers in Pune and globally. This is our company’s next phase in India, moving from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Develop in India’. Starting with 5,000 sq ft, we have the capacity to expand to 20,000 sq ft.”

DSM is a major developer and global supplier of polyamide engineering plastics with a portfolio that includes Akulon PA6 and PA66, Stanyl PA46, ForTii, and EcoPaXX, a bio-based polyamide that is certified carbon neutral from cradle to gate. The company also supplies Xytron PPS as well as thermoplastic polyesters Arnite PBT and PET, and Arnitel TPE for engineering applications. 

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