Astaris LLC, a worldwide leader in phosphate technology solutions, will open a new R&D facility in the St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves in November 2005. The facility establishes an independent R&D environment for Astaris, which shared research and product development space with one of its parent companies, Solutia, until recently.

The new 10,000 square-foot building will provide both laboratory facilities and office space to bolster Astaris’ product development and optimization capabilities across the entire range of food and technical grade phosphate salts and acids. The facility’s dedicated training center will enable Astaris to work more closely with customers to help them reformulate existing brands and develop creative product solutions utilizing the company’s phosphate technologies.

“The new R&D center underscores Astaris’ commitment to innovation and outstanding technical support,” says Paul Howes, president and chief executive office of Astaris LLC. “Our business is built on the strength of our customer relationships and the value-added performance of our technologies. This new R&D center will help us strengthen both of these critical aspects of our business.”

Built to the company’s specifications, the new facility includes the latest capabilities and is part of an effort by the property owners to expand the existing complex as the present R&D facility will ensure a seamless transition for Astaris’ technical staff.

Based in St. Louis, MO, Astaris LLC manufactures phosphoric acid and phosphate salts and markets phosphate technology solutions for food, industrial, and institutional applications to customers worldwide.