Swiss metalworking fluids manufacturer Blaser Swisslube AG opened a research and development center in Hong Kong last week to help it grow in the Asia-Pacific region.
The companys subsidiary, Blaser Swisslube Asia Ltd., which has been present in Hong Kong since 1991, will operate the new testing laboratory and research facility, dubbed a competence center. Blaser said the facility will help it better penetrate Asias metalworking fluids markets, and mainland Chinas in particular, which it said has been the world’s biggest buyer of precision machining tools in recent years.
Blaser also announced its partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to which it provided H.K. $160,000 (U.S. $20,000) in laboratory equipment and materials. Through the collaboration, Blaser plans to train up to 2,000 people a year in both English and Chinese.
This investment is in line with [Blasers] strategy of bringing [its] Liquid Tool technology nearer to our markets, said Regional Head of Asia-Pacific Patrick Mathys in a May 4 press release.
Liquid Tool is the companys trademarked name for its products and services for the metalworking industry, including its cutting fluids and cutting oils.
Blaser sees China as an important region for growth, Mathys said. Setting up our regional competence center at Hong Kong Science Park and leveraging HKPUs industrial training facilities give us a strong service development and delivery capability on the doorstep of China, which is emerging as a key player in the field of high-precision manufacturing.
Blaser Swisslube A.G. is based in Regsau, Switzerland, and is present in more than 60 countries. It develops and produces a variety of industrial cutting and grinding fluids.