Albemarle today announced it is building a state of the art kilo lab in Louvain la Neuve, Belgium.

The facility will give Albemarle's European customer base convenient access to product development capabilities to better serve their needs. The facility is expected to go into operation by the third quarter of 2010.

The new laboratory will contain the highest quality processes and safety features and have capabilities up to and including 50-liter glass lined vessels. The facility will yield enhanced customer collaboration through all stages of research and development for Albemarle's European customers.

"A critical focus for Albemarle's FCS team is to support the efficient development of complex multi-step synthesis' for our customers," Steve LeVan, Division Vice President - Fine Chemistry Services said. "Our new lab gives our European customers a convenient way to increase collaboration and consultation with Albemarle scientists, ultimately accelerating the process from idea stage to commercialization."