Bayer MaterialScience has opened a state-of-the-art production plant at the integrated production site in Shanghai to manufacture polyurethane dispersions (PUD). The plant has an annual capacity of 20,000 metric tons. Bayer MaterialScience now has facilities in North America, Europe and Asia for these key raw materials for manufacturing environmentally friendly, waterborne coating systems and adhesives.

"We are looking to safeguard supplies out of Shanghai in the long term for the rapidly growing Asian market in particular, thereby actively benefiting from growth in this region," explained Dr. Joachim Wolff, head of the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties (CAS) Business Unit and member of the Executive Committee of Bayer MaterialScience, at the official inauguration.

The CAS Business Unit has also invested heavily in its Polymer Research & Development Center in Shanghai to provide state-of-the-art analytical processes, ensuring high, consistent product quality and offering customers locally based, cutting-edge technical support.