The Shadow
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemicals announced plans to build a $9.3 million innovation center to further expand its capabilities in automotive carbon, adhesives, oilfield chemicals and road construction.
“The new facility will enrich our technical innovation capabilities, positioning our division to serve important global growth businesses in rapidly changing and competitive markets,” said Ed Rose, president of MWV Specialty Chemicals. “The center will support our existing North Charleston operations as we continue to expand our product offerings around the world.”
As byproduct of its paperboard packaging business, MWV develops and deploys chemicals for use in energy and transportation infrastructure in global markets, many of which are growing at record rates.
Oilfield chemicals, for example, is projected to increase nearly 6 percent per year hitting $8.2 billion by 2015, according to BCC Research.
MWV’s chemical products are used to develop energy and build roads around the world. Evotherm warm-mix asphalt technology makes it possible to pave roads more safely and more quickly.
Located across the street from the MWV Specialty Chemicals research and development lab in North Charleston, the 27,000-square-foot facility will employ 25 scientists and engineers. MWV employs more than 400 workers in Charleston.
“It speaks volumes that [MWV] decided to put this high-tech expansion here in South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We celebrate the company’s commitment to invest in innovation.”
The center is expected to begin operations in early 2015.
