Hutchinson opening second Asian polymer technical centre

Paris – Hutchinson SA is set to begin operations at a second Asian technical centre, in Suzhou, China, to further support research and innovation in the region.

The unit will carry out research on various materials, including rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), thermoplastics, composites and adhesives, Hutchinson informed ERJ.

Located at the group's 822 Fab House in Suzhou, the centre will support technology development and business expansion for all Hutchinson business units in the Asia Pacific region.

Target areas include acoustic & vibration, sealing, power-transmission, automotive fluid & thermal management, new-energy and industrial, the French group added in a 16 Nov statement.

Operations are expected to begin at the centre in the first quarter of 2024 with a crew of newly recruited technical experts.

The new unit will, in particular, allow us to "support Chinese automobile manufacturers leading the transition to e-mobility," said Alexis Ponnouradjou, SVP research and innovation.

The Suzhou unit is Hutchinson's second technical centre in Asia, after the launch of a research unit in Singapore in 2019.

Hutchinson opened its 822 Fab House unit in November 2019, with the aim to support and innovate locally, particularly for automotive and aerospace customers.

The group also operates two other 'fab house' innovation centres: The 507 Fab House near Paris, and the 616 Fab House in Grand Rapids, Michigan.