Croda International Plc celebrated the grand opening of the expansion of alkoxylation facilities on Jurong Island, Singapore as part of its global strategy to provide innovative solutions closer to customers in the fast growing markets of Asia Pacific. The nearly £18 (US$26.8) million capital investment will more than double the capacity at the site and provide additional flexibility to manufacture new chemistries.

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Dr. Nick Challoner, President of Croda Asia Pacific and the guest-of-honour, Ms Cindy Koh, Director of the Energy & Chemicals Group of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). The event was attended by participants from various stakeholders including Croda’s customers, the scientific & academic community, suppliers and other key business partners.

“This latest expansion is another step in the execution of Croda’s strategy to develop and supply innovative solutions in Asia for our customers,” said Dr. Challoner.

Croda has had a long presence in Singapore, with the opening of its first sales office in the country in 1985. In 1990, Croda Singapore started manufacturing esters and in 1999 moved to Jurong Island to start up its first integrated alkoxylation plant in Asia. This most recent expansion is the company’s largest investment in Singapore since the plant was built.

In April of 2014, Croda announced the opening of its Collaboration & Training Centre (CTC), located on mainland Singapore, which includes state-of-the-art product validation and claim substantiation laboratories, a hair and skin salon and a training centre to support customer needs within the region.

“Our investments in Singapore are an important part of our larger strategy to continue to create innovation for Asia. Croda is also making significant investments in our capabilities in China, Japan, Indonesia and India to respond faster to customer needs,” commented Mr. Julian Yeo, Managing Director - Operations at Croda.

In addition to these expansions in Asia, Croda has recently announced a £120 million capital investment in North America that will lead to 100 percent sustainable non-ionic surfactants from bioethanol. That investment “represents a tidal shift, especially for consumer goods manufacturers who are striving for sustainability and performance,” said Group Chief Executive, Steve Foots. “At Croda, sustainability is fundamental to who we are and what we do and we’re proud to be launching this first of its kind initiative.”

The Singapore expansion has positively impacted on the local economy with the design and construction spanning the last two years and the employment of new skilled jobs at the Jurong Island site to run this new facility, the company said.

“Manufacturing remains an important economic driver for Singapore, and we are delighted that companies like Croda have identified Singapore as an important manufacturing base and continue to invest and expand here,” said Ms Koh. “By anchoring its manufacturing, R&D and HQ functions here, Croda can leverage Singapore’s position as a strategic node in connecting with key customers in the region to deliver innovative and customised solutions. In turn, Singaporeans can benefit from the diverse and exciting job opportunities that are created.”

Croda has more than 3,600 employees working across 18 manufacturing sites and in offices in over 30 countries. In the wide ranging business sectors that they serve, its focus is on developing and delivering innovative ingredients for: Coatings and Polymers, Crop Care, Geo Technologies, Health Care, Home Care, Industrial Chemicals, Lubricants, Personal Care and Polymer Additives.