Shell opens first China research centre

The new facility will allow the Dutch major to provide technical lubricants solutions to Asian customers

Royal Dutch Shell has officially opened its latest high-tech research facility in Shanghai, which will be dedicated to researching and developing lubricants products.

The research centre will serve not only mainland Chinese customers, but will also cover Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and India, which is now the world's third-largest lubricants market.

Matthias Bischel, Shell's Projects and Technology Director, claimed the facility "will proudly bring Shell's technology leadership even closer to customers and partners" and will focus on developing better quality, energy-saving lubes and greases.

The 8,600sqm, nine-storey tall facility strongly reinforces the global major's commitment to the region. Mark Gainsborough, Executive Vice-President of Shell Lubricants, believes the new centre, one of ten globally, will leave Shell "well-positioned to meet anticipated growth in the region." The Dutch major has already enjoyed the top-spot in terms of market share amongst multinational oil co's for seven consecutive years.

According to Shell's research, Asia is the fastest growing lubricants market in the world, representing 43% of global volume in 2012.

As well as catering to the PCMO, HDEO and MCO segments, the facility will also develop transmission fluids, industry specialised lubes and greases and shipping oils. Shell will also look to utilise its geographical advantage to build ties with local OEMs.