Jan 14 2008
Bayer MaterialScience announced today that it will provide the materials for the polyurethane coating on Beijing’s famous “Bird’s Nest” - National Stadium. This new project is another example of the company’s support to Chinese government’s objective of using more high-tech material in construction; Bayer MaterialScience has helped in numerous other landmark construction projects including the floor coating systems of the “Water Cube”.
Wei Ying Yang, Deputy GM of the National Stadium Co. and Michael Koenig, Chairman of Bayer (China) Ltd, President of the Bayer Greater China Group, President of Bayer MaterialScience China
“This project is another solid example of our long term commitment to China’s sustainable development. Guided by our vision – “Science for a better life” – we at Bayer leverage our cutting-edge products and innovative technology in our effort to aid China in realizing its vision in the construction industry,” said Michael Koenig, Country Representative of Bayer Group Greater China and President of Bayer MaterialScience for China, at the signing ceremony in Beijing today.
Bayer MaterialSciences raw material, Desmodur® N aliphatic polyurethane cross linker, will be used for topcoat on the Bird’s Nest. Bayer materials were chosen as the perfect solution for the Stadium’s topcoat due to their long-term protection, excellent resistance and high-performance in even the most trying environmental conditions.
“We are excited and eager to work with Bayer as they utilize their leading technology and innovative material to aid us in our efforts to create this unique landmark and symbol of Beijing. With this kind of cooperation, it will create a win-win situation for both parties,” said Mr. Zhang Hengli, Deputy General Manager of National Stadium Co., Ltd. Due to its unique advantages, Bayer’s coatings system are applied to many well-known steel constructions across the globe, including such landmarks as the Taretum Bridge and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the US; in China, Bayer coating systems are used in the Lupu Bridge, the Wind Power Generator and elsewhere.
Bayer MaterialScience is the first global player to supply key raw materials such as HDI and polyurethane dispersions here in China. To meet the increasing demands for high-tech and environmentally-friendly coatings material in China, Bayer MaterialScience’s Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants (CAS) business unit is currently ramping up its production capabilities at the Bayer Integrated Site Shanghai. The new facility will have an annual capacity of 20,000 tons and is on-track to come onstream in the second quarter of 2008.
“With continuous two-digit growth for almost a decade, China is one of the key markets for Bayer MaterialScience; we are dedicated to serving our local customers and the technical development of local coating industries. The expansions of our production capactiy will enable Bayer MaterialScience to offer reliable and long-term supply to its customers in the region and to keep pace with local market growth. ” said Dr. Volker Mirgel, Bayer MaterialScience’s Senior Vice President for Businesss Unit Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants for the Asia-Pacific region. “ In the meantime, our Polymer R&D Center, located in Shanghai, today has application and testing facilities for coating formulations, and our team of technical experts are well-positioned to help them develop solutions to meet our customers’ requirements”.
In addition to the company’s contribution to the National Stadium, Bayer has also played a role in many other landmark construction projects in China. In line with government’s policy of increasing energy efficiency, Bayer MateralScience’s polyurethanes insulation system are used in refurbishment projects of WenYuan Building located in Shanghai’s Tongji University as well as in Tangshan residential neighborhood.