Chemical Industry News
Tech Park Key Ingredient in Chemical Formula
Saturday, 20, March 2010
Take three parts of creative research and development, add a generous dose of commercialism and test in state-of-the-art laboratories. This might well be the formula for a successful future of the chemical industry in West Virginia, according to one authority.That's the theory offered by Kevin DiGregorio, executive director of the Chemical Alliance Zone. His scenario would involve a research and development effort led by West Virginia University, Marshall University and the National Energy Technology Laboratory followed by testing and market application by industry experts at the West Virginia Educational Research and Technical Park.
"They can develop it here (in West Virginia), show that it works here and make it here," he said, alluding to available property.As the home of Monsanto, Union Carbide, FMC and DuPont facilities, the Charleston area once carried the moniker of America's Chemical Valley. DiGregorio contends the region can continue to be at the forefront of an evolving industry."The industry has changed," said the Richwood native and WVU graduate. "It has downsized by some extent, but it has also shifted, and not just in West Virginia. What you have now, and what we'll have in the future, is more niche players and more specialty chemicals."