Named the Michelman Advanced Materials Collaboration Centre, it is currently scheduled for completion by the spring of 2013.
The grant will be used to enhance Michelman’s ability to develop and commercialise new technologies, including polymeric dispersions and emulsions used as carbon fibre sizing, glass fibre sizing, binders and lubricants for fibreglass and other reinforcing fibre manufacturers.
The project will also result in significant job opportunities in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area – not just to expand Michelman’s current workforce by 20%, but also by opening up construction and other related jobs to build the new facility.
According to Dr.. Rick Michelman, VP/Chief Technology Officer at Michelman: “The word ‘collaboration’ is in the name of the centre for a very important reason. It will be physically and conceptually designed so we can collaborate even more closely than we do now, with customers and suppliers, related industry R&D organizations and companies, as well as local colleges, to develop and commercialise technologies across all of our core product lines."
"Our customers are demanding rapid development of innovative, sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly coating and additive solutions. We believe that by taking an ‘open exchange of ideas’ approach within our R&D department, our customers and the environment will be the ultimate beneficiaries.”
Created in 2002, the Ohio Third Frontier is a commitment to create new technology-based products, companies, industries and jobs. In May 2010, the it was extended through 2015. The $2.3 billion initiative provides funding for open innovation, entrepreneurial support, value chain development, and expansion of a skilled talent pool that can support technology-based economic growth.
