Eastman Opens Technology Center in Mumbai

Eastman recently opened its new India technology center in Thane, Mumbai, Maharashtra state, to provide world-class technology support and faster regional service for its coatings and inks and specialty fluids and energy businesses. The center will deliver local technical support and service to customers in the South Asia Pacific region, where Eastman has a large customer base.

“We’re excited about establishing Eastman’s India technology center,” said Chris Killian, Eastman senior vice president and chief technology officer. “This puts Eastman scientists and world-class technical experts closer to our customers in India and the South Asia Pacific region, which will accelerate our ability to collaborate and develop solutions for the customers and markets we serve.”

Located in Thane, Mumbai, the center has more than 1,500 square meters of laboratory space with the personnel and advanced tools to provide direct technical support to downstream manufacturers and customers. It houses experienced chemists, engineers and technical service scientists and is equipped with analytical, formulation, application, and physical testing equipment. By closely partnering with customers, the development cycle for new innovations will be significantly shortened from initial concept to final commercialization.

“We are constantly looking for opportunities to increase the speed of our customer collaboration and innovation,” said Mahendra Dorairaj, president of Eastman’s coatings and inks business. “The proximity of our technology center to fast-growth coatings and inks markets in India and South Asia strengthens our value proposition as the innovator-of-choice. Our experts in the region will help Eastman and our innovation partners work faster and more efficiently to turn great ideas into the latest must-have products for consumers.”

“The South Asia Pacific region is strategically important to Eastman,” said Gulferaz Ali, vice president and managing director, Eastman Asia Pacific. “The company aims to create and grow partnerships with key stakeholders so science-powered, inclusive innovation will create lasting, sustainable solutions in India and extend to the South Asia Pacific region.”

The center will provide support for additional Eastman businesses beginning later this year. The new location will collaborate with Eastman’s regional and corporate technology centers to provide technical expertise to the Indian market today and the broader South Asia Pacific market in the near future.