Ciba establishes Chinese lab

Ciba Corp., newly-acquired by BASF in April 2009, opened a new technical services center in Shanghai for the development of process and lubricant additives. The center will be able to carry out themo-oxidative, wear, and corrosion tests for lubricant customers and is equipped for the full range of tests needed to support the launch by Ciba of its pour point depressants and viscosity modifiers. In addition to rapidly meeting the requirements of Chinese customers, the new laboratory will provide support for the company’s traditional component and industrial lubricant businesses. The center should enable Ciba to rapidly increase its market share in China for both pour point depressants and viscosity modifiers, the company said. (March 26, 2009)