28/11/2014

Sika is further expanding its research and development activities. In the presence of His Royal Highness, Prince Edward Duke of Kent, Sika has opened a state-of-the-art research facility in Preston in north west England.

Sika employs around 800 staff in 20 technology centers around the world. By making further investments in research and development, the company is securing its innovative strength.

HRH Duke of Kent opens Sika Limited R&D Centre Preston
Image: From left to right: Paul Schuler, Regional Manager EMEA, Ivo Schaedler, General Manager UK, HRH Duke of Kent, at the inauguration ceremony.
"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." Jan Jenisch, Sika CEO

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. Sika is leading the global field with these products.

Sika guests touring the new Preston R&D laboratory
Image: Sika guests touring the new laboratory

PRINCE EDWARD DUKE OF KENT ROYALLY IMPRESSED BY SIKA

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 metres. The research centres' activities will focus on 30 Sika products, including the roof waterproofing and interior floor coatings. At the official opening ceremony, His Royal Highness, Prince Edward Duke of Kent and other guests were visibly impressed by the expansion investments made by the leading specialty chemical company. During a guided tour of the laboratory, the Duke of Kent was able to see Sika chemists at work and learned more about the groundwork and applied research that takes place in Preston.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT SIKA
Around 800 employees at 20 technology centres around the world work in research and development at Sika. 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. With 73 patent applications in the past year, Sika is one of the most innovative companies in Switzerland.