PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, today celebrated the grand opening of its new Asia Innovation Center in Shanghai, China. The new facility enables collaborative innovation, accelerates application development and increases speed-to-market for customers in the Asia Pacific region.

In today’s opening ceremony event, customers and local officials participated in tours and demonstrations that showcased how PolyOne differentiates its products and services in the specialty marketplace.

“We are proud and excited to be expanding in Asia in support of our customers and our dedicated PolyOne associates who serve them,” said Robert M. Patterson, president and chief executive officer, PolyOne Corporation. “We continue to invest in Asia so that our customers can innovate and grow, and that’s exactly what will take place through improved collaboration at our advanced, new Innovation Center.”

The state-of-the-art facility is strategically located in a hi-tech industrial park in the JinQiao Development Zone in Shanghai. The new Innovation Center houses cutting-edge laboratory facilities, an interactive product display and a modern training facility, where customers can collaborate with PolyOne’s technical and marketing experts to accelerate development. Activities will include regional and global R&D projects, focusing on high-growth end markets, such as healthcare, packaging, transportation, electronics, and consumer goods. The facility also now serves as the company’s regional headquarters.

Commenting on PolyOne’s recent growth and success in Asia, Rob Bindner, vice president, Asia, said, “Our commitment to customers in Asia has never been stronger. This is clearly evident in our continued investment and success with regional and multi-national customers who rely on PolyOne for specialty solutions and services.”