Adhesive Technologies has strengthened its commitment to driving powerful innovation by establishing a new Innovation Center in Pune, India. The center will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies for the automotive and transportation industries and will serve South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

A unique opening ceremony full of local color and tradition took place on Tuesday, October 22 to celebrate the outstanding achievement of the local team and their international colleagues.

A dedicated team of product and application experts have now begun creating adhesives, devising optimal application procedures and demonstrating assembly performance at the new Innovation Center in Pune.

The laboratories at the new innovation hub are equipped with a simulated environment for automotive acoustic structures, component testing facilities and interactive training areas where customers can try out the latest sustainable solutions in conditions that have been customized to reflect their specific needs.

The Innovation Center team’s work will benefit 800 automotive suppliers and more than 20 manufacturing companies by providing customers in fast-growing emerging markets with leading innovations and tailor-made solutions they can rely on.

Henkel’s reputation as a technology leader that partners with customers for innovation is a crucial factor in making it the world’s number one in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. By expanding its presence in emerging markets and investing in a global network of state-of-the-art R&D centers, the company is executing its ambitious strategy for 2016.

“This strategic investment will help strengthen our footprint in India,” said Csaba Szendrei, Corporate Vice President Henkel Adhesive Technologies India, Middle East and Africa. “By 2016, Henkel expects to increase sales to 20 billion euros, of which 10 billion euros is expected to come from emerging markets like India. This innovation Center will nurture a strong mix of global expertise and local know-how to benefit customers across the whole region.”