Hempel A/S (Lyngby, Denmark) is investing in a new research and development (R&D) center focused solely on passive fire protection (PFP) coatings. Located just outside Barcelona, Spain, the center will open in late 2018 and employ 35 experienced technicians and scientists.
The investment demonstrates a commitment to further developing the range of fire protection coatings, as well as expanding a global R&D network, according to company officials.
“The new facility will significantly increase our fire testing capabilities, enabling us to expand and accelerate our PFP coatings development,” says Lars Petersson, chief operational officer and group executive vice president. “This is important for our company strategy, and it will benefit many customers, who have the safety of their employees as a top priority.”
Applied to structural steel in large buildings and industrial oil and gas installations, the PFP coatings expand to form an insulating layer of carbon char when exposed to high temperatures. This enables the steel to maintain its load-bearing capacity for up to four hours longer during a fire, giving people time to escape the building and for firefighters to extinguish the fire.
The company’s existing range of PFP coatings for cellulosic fires, Hempacore, includes both fast-drying and water-borne versions. It has been used on civil structures around the globe including airports, train stations, logistics centers, sport facilities, warehouses, and industrial factories.
Meanwhile, the new R&D facility focused solely on PFP coatings will enable the company to further expand its PFP product range, including the development of PFP coatings for hydrocarbon fires—which are encountered in the oil and gas industry.
“[Our] R&D begins and ends with the customer,” says CEO and group president Henrik Andersen. “Our 15 R&D centers around the globe all work together as one organization to ensure that our customers get best-in-class solutions and technical support, whether they are global, multinational, or local. PFP coatings are a key element in our strategy, and the new PFP-focused R&D center will ensure we remain at the leading edge of this important technological area.”
Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Source: Hempel, www.hempel.com.