EUROPEAN PLASTICS NEWS
Published: December 23, 2013 9:35 am ET
Updated: December 23, 2013 9:36 am ET
Saudi Basic Industries Corp.’s Plastics Application Development Center (SPADC) at the Riyadh Techno Valley, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, was inaugurated by Riyadh Governor Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz on Dec. 19.
Initiated by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources with strong support from King Saud University, the new center was funded by the government to encourage petrochemical research in the kingdom.
SPADC is the newest of Sabic’s research center, following recent launches of research facilities in China and India.
Mohamed Al-Mady, Sabic Vice Chairman and CEO, said, “The new center is yet another important step for Sabic to evolve further as an innovation-driven company, besides being an important driver of economic growth within Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become a knowledge-based economy. SPADC’s role will be to introduce innovative plastics solutions to Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurs, delivering new applications for businesses.
“Our plans call for further strengthening our innovation footprint. We have just set up a new research facility at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; and we now have about 2,000 researchers worldwide, with the number growing rapidly. These facilities are focused on developing innovation strategies that will help the company deliver strong business results.”
The center will house over 200 Sabic scientists, engineers and technicians working in close research and development collaborations with customers, academia and industrial research communities, within Sabic’s Technology & Innovation global network. | 
