German chemicals producer Lanxess AG is celebrating the tenth anniversary of leather chemical production in Wuxi, China,

The company, Lanxess Wuxi, which was originally formed as a joint venture with Wuxi Dyestuff Factory, produces synthetic and resin based tanning materials as well as a wide range of other wet end and finishing auxiliaries at the facility which it supplies to the automotive, footwear and furniture industries.

Production of leather chemicals began in Wuxi at the start of 1998, a year after completion of the first office building in February 1997. A new laboratory was added in 2004 and the company now claims to run the largest research and development centre for leather products in Asia-Pacific.

Commenting on the importance of its Wuxi site, Dr Bernhard Wehling, head of the Leather business unit, explained: "China is already the leading market worldwide for leather chemicals. The fact that Lanxess is one of the leading suppliers in this market is a great success and speaks volumes for our staff. We want to continue to grow faster than the rest of the market in China. Our continuing commitment to Wuxi is crucial to this aim."