Alfa Aesar has announced the formation of Alfa Aesar China and the opening of a brand new facility in the Tianjin Economic Development Area (Teda)
The new operation will offer improved service for Alfa Aesar's research chemicals customers in China.
A team of locally experienced commercial and operational staff is already established on the ground throughout the country.
A new catalogue, which now includes over 27,000 products and the fully combined ranges of Alfa Aesar, Lancaster Synthesis and Avocado Organics, will be in the market in early April 2006.
The new facility in Teda is currently outfitted for storage and distribution of pre-packed catalogue items, bulk and specialty products and for quality control and repackaging.
Future expansion is already planned for production laboratories.
In addition to the new facility in Teda, Alfa Aesar China has its head office in Beijing and four regional sales offices located throughout the country.
Jian Zhang, president Alfa Aesar China, commented, "The employees of Alfa Aesar China are very excited about the newly formed business unit".
"As local distributors of Alfa Aesar in the past, we have formed many excellent relationships with customers".
"The new venture and facility will enable us to bring those customers an unprecedented level of service in China".
"The creation of Alfa Aesar China is a reflection of our optimism about the prospects for growth in China," said Barry Singelais, director of Johnson Matthey Research Chemicals.
"We already have a strong organization in the field and now we are supporting them with a dedicated facility, logistical support, expanded product range and a new catalogue." Alfa Aesar China will operate as a wholly owned foreign enterprise (WOFE) with an experienced local team of commercial and service personnel under the leadership of President Jian Zhang.
Zhang will run the commercial operation and work closely with newly appointed director of Alfa Aesar Asia, Brian Cobb.
Cobb, who has direct experience with numerous Alfa Aesar operational start-ups in other markets worldwide, will oversee the expansion of Alfa Aesar's business in Asia.
