Research and Development
Water-related research at Kemira made significant advancements in 2010. In March, Kemira and VTT Technical Research Center of Finland established a center of expertise that brings together water know-how in a new way. Investments in research and development are integral to Kemira’s goal of profitable growth through new products and customers.
In the past few years, Kemira has geared research and development to support profitable growth even more strongly than before. Research and product development have been seamlessly integrated into all operations.
The innovation process aims to commercialize new products and introduce them to customer segments for use as quickly as possible. Research targets are chosen based on customer needs. The path of the innovation process, as well as the related rights of ownership, have been defined in detail through close collaboration among all of Kemira’s segments and operations.
Major Investments
The restructuring of research and development at Kemira was completed in 2010. The company now has four research centers, the newest of which was opened in São Paulo, Brazil, in late 2010. Kemira’s research centers focus on supporting profitable growth and creating new business.
In March, Kemira and VTT launched the Center of Water Efficiency Excellence (SWEET), which brings together Finnish and international water expertise. Headquartered in Espoo, the center develops technologies and applications for water intensive industries. Through major investments in research and development, Kemira aims to create new products and applications that offer added value to customers. With more than 200 Kemira and VTT experts, SWEET forms a network including Kemira’s four research centers. Other companies and research institutions are also involved in this.
In 2010, Kemira invested EUR 41.6 million in research and development which represented 2 percent of all operating expenses. From 2008 to the end of 2010, Kemira’s R&D was led by Johan Grön, Executive Vice President of R&D and Technology. In January 2011, he was succeeded by the new Executive Vice President of R&D and Technology Heidi Fagerholm, who was Director of Kemira’s Espoo R&D center.