Saint-Gobain formally inaugurated a 120,000-sq-ft global research facility in Chennai today.
Saint-Gobain Research India, the seventh global research facility for the French glass and construction and building products manufacturer, is located at the IITM Research Park. It is a built-to-suit facility which the company has taken on long term lease from IITM Research Park.
Addressing media persons at the launch, Pierre-Andre De Chalendar, Chairman and CEO, Saint-Gobain, said it is among the most advanced facilities for materials related R&D and will develop sustainable solutions for hot and humid climates. The €41-billion multinational company spends about €400 million (₹2,800 crore) on R&D.
Its aim is to ensure continuous product development to meet market needs and new products — less than five years in the market — account for 25 per cent of the company’s offerings. New products offer better value to the customer and to the company, he said.
Increasingly specialised products made in India are being exported to West Asia because of cost benefit and logistics reasons.