Press Release August 26 2014
NOVA Chemicals Breaks Ground on Centre for Performance Applications Expansion
To deliver greater value to its customers, the polyethylene (PE) resins business of NOVA Chemicals broke ground today on an expansion at its Centre for Performance Applications in Calgary. Formerly known as the NOVA Chemicals Technical Centre (NCTC), the expanded Centre will serve as a hub for collaborating with customers on the development of higher-value products and applications.
In addition, NOVA Chemicals' Research & Technology Centre (NRTC), also located in Calgary, has been renamed the Centre for Applied Research. The two facilities were renamed to better describe the work performed at each location and the NOVA Chemicals customer-centric approach.
The polyethylene research and development conducted at the Centre for Applied Research facility focuses on product and process improvements, new resins, and breakthrough innovations. The Centre for Performance Applications continues the product development process with resin testing, applications development, and customer collaboration. The complementary approach of the two facilities enhances NOVA Chemicals' ability to innovate, ultimately helping its customers bring better-designed, better-performing products to market more quickly.
"In the decades we've been at our current facilities, we've seen tremendous growth and an evolution in our focus, staffing, equipment, and capabilities," said Daryll Harrison, vice president, NOVA Chemicals Technology. "These investments and facilities reflect our commitment to deliver greater value to our customers and to the polyethylene market."
In addition to the new space, the company is investing in a range of new equipment and upgrades, including a semi-commercial 9-layer blown film line. The line provides NOVA Chemicals and its customers with access to leading-edge multilayer film manufacturing technology for rapid prototyping in a dedicated development environment. All of the equipment investments enable NOVA Chemicals to better perform product development work and trials that simulate customer manufacturing methods and application performance under real-world conditions.
"The ability to perform critical product and applications development work and even reimagine how our resins can be used are key to expanding our innovation capabilities and serving our customers now and far into the future," said Chris Bezaire, senior vice president, NOVA Chemicals Polyethylene Business.
The new equipment is being installed throughout the next two years with the grand opening of the Centre for Performance Applications expansion planned for spring 2015.
ENDS
About NOVA Chemicals
NOVA Chemicals develops and manufactures chemicals, plastic resins and end-products that make everyday life safer, healthier and easier. Our employees ensure health, safety, security and environmental stewardship throughout commitment to sustainability and Responsible Care. NOVA Chemicals, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
About NOVA Chemicals Polyethylene Business
The NOVA Chemicals polyethylene business enables its customers' success with a portfolio of more than 125 specialized SURPASS, SCLAIR, and NOVAPOL resins. Each new NOVA Chemicals resin is developed to meet customer requirements, from drop-in consistency to step-out performance attributes. Our customer-centric approach is driven by our brand promises of Focused Expertise, Applied Innovation, Proactive Service, and Reliable Supply.
