Victrex plc, a UK-based global world leader in high-performance Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) polymers is set to build a major polymer innovation centre in northern England.

The planned polymer innovation centre is expected to increase capacity to turn lab concepts into real-world solutions and processes that can sustain mass production. The facility will enable the scaling up of new products and applications to full commercialisation for Victrex’s global customers, Victrex said in a press release.

The UK Government’s regional growth fund has granted £1.3 million for the project. The project is expected to help in the creation of over 80 direct and indirect jobs over the next 10 years and could ultimately see a total £16 million investment.

Dr John Grasmeder, technical director at Victrex said, “Victrex is continuing to invest in cutting-edge technological leadership in advanced polymers. Improved application performance at the same or reduced cost is a common objective that we’re helping our customers to address across industries.”

High-performance polymers based on Polyaryletherketones (PAEK) are increasingly being sought out for demanding applications in industry sectors that include consumer electronics, automotive, energy, and medical.

Victrex plc is a UK-headquartered, global high-performance polymer solutions provider serving more than 30 geographies worldwide across strategic markets that include automotive, aerospace, energy & industrial, electronics, and medical. (GK)