This new innovation center is reportedly a network of companies and knowledge institutions in and around the province of Overijssel that focuses on sharing knowledge, research, and development concerning high-grade materials and materials technology.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced that manufacturing industry executive Michael F. Molnar has been appointed as the agency’s first-ever chief manufacturing officer.

E.W. Kaufmann Co. recently announced it has been named the national distributor of the Bisomer product line.

Dow Performance Materials, a business of the Dow Chemical Co., has named Carlos Silva Lopes as strategic marketing director for the business.

The American Coatings Association (ACA), in partnership with Vincentz Network, has issued a call for papers to be presented at the American Coatings Conference 2012 in Indianapolis, IN.

Sika Corp. recently announced it has established a Silicone Competency Center, headquartered in Lakewood, NJ.

A new line of accessories for cell phones and smart phones claims to keep devices securely in place with an adhesive that will not leave any sticky residue. The new

Bayer MaterialScience has named Peter Vanacker head of Industrial Marketing and Innovation. Joachim Wolff, Ph.D., takes over Vanacker’s previous role as head of the Polyurethanes business unit.

The Emulsion Polymers business of Celanese Corp. recently announced plans to move to a state-of-the-art facility in the greater Cincinnati area.

WACKER recently announced it has commissioned a compounding plant at its joint venture site Wacker Metroark Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. near Kolkata, India, for the manufacture of ready-to-use silicone elastomers.