Focusing on the adhesives industry, the new innovation centre will utilise its experience, knowledge and technical capabilities to achieve “deeper collaboration”.
As part of its larger strategy, Henkel Adhesive Technologies has built the cutting-edge Southeast Asia Regional Innovation Centre to deliver modern, high-impact solutions in the adhesives, sealants and functional coatings markets. Henkel Indonesia has entered into this strategic move with the Indonesian and Southeast Asian markets in mind.
To further bolster its popularity and market share in the region, the adhesives producer will team up with customers to gain insights to develop new product applications and increase productivity and reliability in their production facilities.
Expert practices
The regional innovation centre in Indonesia will seek the expertise of Henkel’s global workforce — comprising 6,500 specialists around the world — particularly in reference to its design of a variety of applications. In 2016, Henkel’s research and development expenses relating to its adhesive technologies business totalled approximately €287 million.
“The Innovation Centre underscores Henkel’s commitment to empowering our customers and value-chain partners in emerging markets to move up the innovation value chain. Southeast Asia is definitely an important region for us and Indonesia is a key growth driver,” Csaba Szendrei, Corporate Senior Vice President, Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives, Henkel, enthused.
Inside innovation: What does it look like?
Henkel’s newly-built innovation centre, which spans 1,300-square metres, contains an interactive customer experience zone, an industrial area for testing and simulation, and six application laboratories.
It also houses a training academy to offer both customers and partners the opportunity to learn technical skills and receive practical training on topics including application and analytical techniques, troubleshooting, and best practices in safety and sustainability.
Selecting a location
Henkel recognises that Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, Indonesia, is a strategic area for the company and a key market moving forward.
In addition, the Indonesian arm of the consumer goods company selected Bintaro as the specific location for its business and innovation focus, due to its nearby amenities which include the airport and industrial sites. A significant number of customers are also situated close by in Tangerang, Jakarta, and Bekasi and Karawang.
Supporting business strategy
“The Southeast Asia Regional Innovation Centre in Indonesia represents a major investment in advanced technologies and state-of-the-art equipment. It emphasises our commitment to become more customer focused, innovative and agile,” stated Lucky Lee, President of Henkel Indonesia.
Commenting on the value this provides to Henkel’s position in the marketplace, Lee added:“Together with our strong technical team and advanced plants, the Innovation Centre strengthens our market-leading position and differentiates us as the innovation leader and total solutions provider for the adhesives industry in Indonesia.”