The Oqema Group is strengthening its service offering with a new laboratory for product development in Cologne. The state-of-the-art laboratory is focused on the existing surface technology business in Germany, whilst also developing the business further in industrial applications, with an initial focus on paints and coatings, construction and lubricants business across the European Oqema Group. Customers benefit from a wide range of services relating to product development and application. The company will assist customers and suppliers with technical support and develop new products according to the individual requirements of the customers. James Berwick, Group Director Specialities: ‘The new Oqema laboratory and competence centre in Cologne will enhance the ability of the European specialities business to refine further our customer and supplier propositions.’ The large competence centre for training and conferences is attached to the laboratory. Winfried Plitzko, Managing Director of Oqema Cologne, is pleased about the new opportunities the location offers to customers and suppliers: ‘Our focus is the development of effective and innovative products that fit the needs of our customers. The new competence centre gives us the opportunity to collaborate even more closely with our customers and suppliers: it is designed for customer seminars and supplier workshops with practical application demonstrations, as well as training for our employees.’