Jan. 23, 2006 - UPM said that it will expand its R&D capabilities by establishing a new Asia Research Center in China.

The center will focus on the research of fibers growing in the region and supporting local customer services and production, UPM said.

"The new R&D Center in China will enhance our competitiveness in local product applications and in the use of locally available fibre resources. We also want to increase our cooperation with local research institutes and universities in this field," said Pauli Hänninen, executive vice president in Business Development.

The location of the new facility will be adjacent to UPM Changshu paper mill. It is scheduled to open at the beginning of 2007.

UPM has research units in Lappeenranta, Finland, Augsburg, Germany and Grand Rapid, Minnesota USA. UPM Wood Product Division has a R&D Center in Lahti, Finland.

SOURCE: UPM