Solvay has announced the completion of expansion of its China Research & Innovation (R&I) Centre in the Solvay Shanghai Technology Park with the inauguration of the ‘Magnolia’ research building. The company also recently opened its Material Application & Development Lab in Shanghai. In all, Solvay has spent about €500,000 at the R&I hub since 1995. The new building features a pilot hall for advanced materials applications, an automation & robotics lab and purpose-built spaces customised for both industrial applications and consumer goods research.