Momentive opens new R&D center in Bangalore

New facility would also serve as regional business HQ

US-based Momentive Performance Materials Holdings, a provider of specialty chemicals and materials to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the areas of automotive, paints and agriculture sectors, has announced the opening of its research and development centre in Bangalore. The R&D Centre will work on developing new technologies and products for both global and regional markets in India, Africa and Middle East (West Asia).

The R&D Centre is being operated by its subsidiaries, Momentive Performance Materials and Momentive Speciality Chemicals and is located at Electronic City in Bangalore. The company has invested $4.5 million (around Rs 23 crore).

The company also said that its new center in Bangalore would be the business headquarters for India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) region. The company is also planning to hire around 100 people for the new centre. Presently, 37 engineers and scientists are working at the centre, V P Nalian, Momentive’s Vice President & General Manager for IMEA said.

He said the R&D centre will work on the global technology platforms and product development for new and existing applications in diverse industry segments, such as personal care, energy, healthcare, electronics, automotive, and construction. 

In addition, the facility will house its commercial, business support, business process and information technology functions.

Presently, Momentive has manufacturing Centre in Chennai, which was opened in February this year. The company has invested $20 million at this facility.

“The IMEA region represents one of the fast-growing regions for Momentive, and is projected to be a key growth area for the company in the future,” Nalian added.