Air Products, Lehigh Valley, PA, has embarked on a major expansion of its China Technology Center in Shanghai to support fast-growing businesses in Asia, particularly those in the polyurethane, coatings, inks, adhesives, civil engineering, personal care, cleaning, mining field and other sectors. These markets are growing at over 10% a year, and growth is expected to accelerate as China continues to develop as a global manufacturing center.

Akzo Nobel, Arnhem, The Netherlands, has divested its Akcros Chemicals PVC additives business to UK-based private investment firm GIL Investments. Under the terms of the deal, Akzo Nobel’s sites in Eccles, UK, and New Brunswick, NJ - along with the approximately 160 employees at these locations - will be transferred to the new owner.

Asymtek, Carlsbad, CA, has announced that it has won Circuits Assembly magazine’s “Service Excellence Award” for the fourth consecutive year. Asymtek was selected best supplier in the dispensing equipment category, and received the highest cumulative scores based on customer satisfaction ratings in five areas: technology, dependability, responsiveness, ease-of-use and value for the dollar.

C.A. Litzler Co. Inc., Cleveland, OH, has announced the development and construction of a new PERFECT FLOAT®flotation dryer system for Chemsultants International, Mentor, OH. The project consists of new dryers for two coating lines. The first is a 30-ft. dryer wit three zones, and the second is a 10-foot single-zone dryer. The dryer modules are also flexible enough to accommodate future rolls for an arch dryer or single-sided airfoil flotation.

The Carlyle Group, Washington, DC, has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s Engineered Products Division in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.475 billion. Goodyear Engineered Products employs approximately 6,500 associates in 32 manufacturing facilities worldwide, including approximately 3,100 associates in the U.S. Following the transaction, the company’s headquarters will remain in Akron, OH, and current management, including President and CEO Timothy R. Toppen, will continue to lead the business.