Chem-Trend to expand research and development facilities at global headquarters

Chem-Trend, a global leader in the development, production and marketing of high-performance release agents, purging compoundsand other ancillary molding products, announced it will expand its R&D facilities at the global headquarters in Howell, Michigan to allow for continued growth of its research and development activities and increased capabilities to provide customer support.

Chem-Trend’s research and development facilities will expand by approximately 50 percent with the project at its existing campus in Howell, which is home to both the company’s global and North American regional headquarters. The expansion is planned to accommodate additional world-class R&D facilities that include an applied research laboratory, an analytical laboratory featuring advanced chemical analysis equipment and state-of-the-art industry-dedicated laboratories that, in close collaboration with the company’s additional R&D laboratories around the globe, develop innovative technologies and deliver technical service to Chem-Trend’s worldwide customer base in the die casting, polyurethane, rubber, composites, tire, thermoplastics and wood composite industry segments.

Chem-Trend is working closely with local, county and state economic development officials on the initiative. Completion of the project is targeted for mid-2017.

“Chem-Trend differentiates itself through developing innovative technology backed by uncompromised customer service, and this expansion reconfirms our commitment to continue delivering advanced product technologies that address the evolving needs of our customers,” said Devanir Moraes, president and CEO, Chem-Trend.  “As we look to the future, we are focused on increasing Chem-Trend’s already industry leading level of R&D and technical support capabilities.”

Similar investments by Chem-Trend and its parent company Freudenberg Chemical Specialities (FCS) have been completed in recent years at its locations in Brazil, India and China, with an additional expansion just announced for facilities in Germany in 2017. FCS is a part of the Freudenberg Group, which includes innovation and customer orientation among its guiding principles.

Chem-Trend is a global organization founded and headquartered in Howell, Michigan, with production facilities on four continents, offices or local representatives in 18 countries, and a distribution network covering more than 50 countries. The company has been a proud member of the local business community for more than 50 years. The Detroit Free Press has recognized the company as a “Top 100” work place in Michigan for the last four years.