Sika opens research centre in UK

Swiss construction chemicals major Sikahas opened a state-of-the-art research facility in Preston in northwest England, further expanding its research and development activities. Sika employs around 800 staff in 20 technology centres around the world. “We are establishing a leading-edge technology centre in the area of liquid roofing in our new research and development centre in Preston. Sika possesses outstanding expertise in this area. We aim to further develop this to the benefit of our global Sika subsidiaries and their customers,” said Jan Jenisch, CEO, Sika.
 
Following the acquisition of Liquid Plastics and Incorez in the UK in 2009, Sika has continued to invest in this area of its business with the aim of guaranteeing the development of technologically advanced and environmentally friendly liquid roofing membranes, while also pressing ahead with new developments in its product technologies.
 
Construction work on the new research and development centre began one year ago on the site of an existing 100-year old warehouse. The new centre is twice as large as the previous structure, covering more than a thousand square meters. The research centre's activities will focus on 30 Sika products, including the roof waterproofing and interior floor coatings.
 
The new facility in Preston represents one of twelve Sika research centres in Europe. There are five further R&D centres in Asia and three in the Americas. In 2013, Sika invested CHF 166.1 million - 3.2% of sales - in research and development.