Ashland recently announced it is adding a dedicated laboratory to its campus in Wilmington, Del. The 2,000 sq.-ft.-facility adds to the company’s existing 8,000-sq.-ft. site. The facilities reportedly provide paint formulators with resources for testing new or modified formulations, understanding consumer preferences, and optimizing their products for success. Ashland invested approximately $400,000 in the six-month expansion.

“Ashland has been solving customers’ toughest coatings problems since we introduced Natrosol™ HEC, the industry’s largest selling rheology modifier, more than 50 years ago,” said Ed Connors, vice president, Industrial Specialties. “This new lab ensures customers continued access to world-class technical support for years to come.”

Expanded access to Ashland’s Application Reader Technology™ (ART) device may be a large draw for global customers. The ART device reportedly interprets how painters apply paint and converts that information into objective, actionable data. This information can be used to tailor formulations to specific customer preferences for paint feel. There are reportedly two ART devices on site.

For more information, visit www.ashland.com.