LG Chem pivots to new areas
South Korean giant LG Chem has announced plans to invest nearly $ 10 billion in R & D by 2035“ to drive its full-scale transformation into an AIbased, high-value materials company”. About 70 % of that will go to growth businesses like semiconductors, mobility and robotics, while seeking AI-based new applications and advanced technologies.
“ This strategy is designed to upgrade the company’ s profit structure around high-growth industries at a time when profitability in the traditional chemicals business is slowing amid global oversupply and intensifying competition,” the company stated. It will, however, continue seeking to strengthen the competitiveness of its existing businesses.
Key areas of focus will include advanced packaging materials for semiconductors, such as packaging adhesives, low-dielectric materials, thermal management materials and glass substrates; robot structural materials, precision actuation and bonding materials in its mobility and robotics business, in addition to its existing materials for electric
vehicles. LG Chem will also work to grow its oncology drugs business.
“ At the same time, LG Chem is transforming its business model into that of an integrated solutions company that goes beyond the simple supply of materials to co-design the performance and manufacturing processes of its customers’ products. Through this approach, the company aims to move away from pricedriven competition and build a stable, sustainable, high-margin structure,” it was stated.
Usalco adds corrosion platform, opens new plant
US water treatment giant Usalco has added Shannon Chemical’ s phosphate-based corrosion inhibitors for municipal drinking water systems, including blended polyphosphate and orthophosphate formulations, to its own Corrosion Sentry platform, thus expanding its“ comprehensive approach to corrosion control through chemistry, system-specific application, and technical support”.
Usalco will make Shannon’ s products available nationwide through its national manufacturing and distribution network, including a combined network of chemical and corrosion experts, joint R & D and digital offerings like the Decision Blue software suite. This, it said, will enable utilities to address the more stringent requirements of the Enhanced Lead & Copper Rule.
The company subsequently launched its Digital Solutions division, led by Dr Chris Miller, and established Decision Blue as its“ intelligent operating system for water treatment outcomes”. The new division brings together Usalco Services, on-site technical expertise and digital delivery, into a more unified customer support model. It is being built out with new roles across product, engineering, data and commercial enablement.
Separately, Usalco has opened a new production facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California, its 27th in the US( pictured). This will manufacture and distribute speciality coagulants and customised treatment services, complementing an existing facility in Modesto. The company built this after evaluating Southern California’ s water treatment needs and finding it to be underserved relative to its population and infrastructure demands.
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