WATERFORD, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Momentive Performance Materials (Momentive) recently celebrated the opening of a new 20,000 square foot research and development laboratory in Charlotte, NC. The company is investing approximately $3.5 million in this new state-of-the art lab that will be used to test and develop advanced compounds for the world’s leading tire manufacturers. Staffed by some of the industry’s foremost tire researchers, this facility will serve as a global hub for the discovery and development of new silane materials that can help tire manufacturers produce tires with lower rolling resistance, better wet traction and advanced performance.
“This new tire research and development laboratory reinforces our commitment to developing cutting-edge specialty products for the global automotive industry,” said Jack Boss, Momentive President and CEO. “The lab will enhance our ability to improve the advanced compounds tire manufacturers need to optimize production and develop new products.”
Momentive’s NXT* silane products are key ingredients tire manufacturers rely on in the demand for innovative solutions to help reduce automotive fuel consumption. Low rolling resistance tires can help increase fuel economy while reducing carbon dioxide emissions because they minimize wasted energy used to overcome a conventional tire’s rolling resistance. As a result, auto makers and consumers are increasingly seeking low rolling resistance tires to help reduce fuel consumption. Momentive’s innovative NXT silane products are incorporated by tire manufacturers into their tires to help reduce rolling resistance while preserving wet traction.
“Our goal is to help our customers increase speed to market for both design and performance,” said Mike Stout, Momentive’s Global Marketing Director for Tire and Rubber. “With our new lab, we can do just that. We can shorten development time for compounders because we’re able to replicate the testing and analysis they conduct when incorporating our tire silanes; thus validating their results.”
Momentive continues to invest in serving the automotive industry, and particularly the tire and rubber segment. In January, the company acquired the operating assets of Sea Lion Technology, Inc. to increase the availability of tire silanes in the US. Momentive also recently broke ground on a new manufacturing facility for NXT silane materials in Leverkusen, Germany, to further enhance tire silane availability, and to make locally-produced materials available in Europe.
About NXT Silane
Providing options for enhanced tire performance and overall system cost efficiencies for tire manufacturers worldwide, NXT silane has a unique design that can enable reduced rolling resistance without loss of wet traction, while promoting increased overall production efficiency for tire manufacturers. For more information about NXT Silane, visit our website: https://www.momentive.com/en-US/categories/coupling/nxt-silane/.
About Momentive
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is a global leader in silicones and advanced materials, with a 75-year heritage of being first to market with performance applications for major industries that support and improve everyday life. The Company delivers science-based solutions by linking custom technology platforms to opportunities for customers. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MPM Holdings Inc. Additional information about Momentive and its products is available at www.momentive.com.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements relating to our business. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations as of the date hereof. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We have no obligation to update any of the information contained or referenced in this press release.
*NXT is a trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
