Norner to build Polymer Exploration Centre for the plastics industry
“This is a very exciting project for Porsgrunn as a city, but also for Grenland, Telemark and the entire region,” said Tommy Thovsland, development director, R8 Property.
All-in-one operations
Due to increased space requirements, the 5,000m² Polymer Exploration Centre technology centre will be built at the bank of the Porsgrunn river and neighbouring Powerhouse Telemark.
“We will get a significantly more efficient building and have consolidated all our operations into one house. Construction work will start at the turn of the year and will be completed in the spring of 2021,” added Kjetil Larsen, CEO, Norner.
“Our owners, Thai SCG, have a long-term strategy and commitment with Norner. They are strengthening their position as a significant player in the plastics industry through this investment.”
The company recently became part owner of the Future Materials Catapult Centre - a national test center for materials of the future, established in 2017 by Arendals Fossekompani, Elkem, Mechatronics Innovation Lab, ReSiTec and the University of Agder.
Test facilities
The Catapult will make the path from idea to market shorter for Norwegian business by offering test facilities, expertise and networks to develop sustainable advanced materials and production processes.
“We look forward to being part of such a strong team that Future Materials already is, and we have good faith we can further develop Future Materials together as a leading centre for future materials both nationally and international,” added Larsen.
“Plastics and composites are an important part of the materials of the future, and we believe existing and future customers will benefit from the fact the centre will now cover a wide area.”
