Alcoa CSI Europe consolidates R&D capabilities in Spain

The Technollogy Centre will be the focus of R&D activity for the region and provide enhanced capability in the field of closure system development.

January 25, 2005-- A ceremony was held yesterday afternoon, at San Cugat Sesgarrigues, Spain, to mark the opening of Alcoa CSI Europe’s new Technology Centre.The opening of the facility marks the culmination of a very significant project for Alcoa CSI, involving not just the construction of a new building but also the transfer of R&D staff from several countries and the consolidation of research and testing technology on a single site.

The new Technology Center brings to Alcoa CSI regional and global development effort, bringing about a reduction in product development lead time and consequently improved customer responsiveness.

The purpose-built facility is adjacent to Alcoa CSI’s plastic closure manufacturing centre near the town of Vilafranca del Penedès and was opened by Tim Carr (Sr. VP Manufacturing & Technology Alcoa CSI) and Eduardo Gemelli (VP and General Manager Alcoa CSI Europe).

The opening ceremony was attended by R&D staff and their families who had moved to Spain. Also present were CSI staff and external organizations involved in the project. Speaking at the ceremony, Tim Carr and Eduardo Gemelli, paid tribute to the staff and families of those who had relocated to Spain in support of the project. They also thanked everyone involved for their efforts, in particular, Roberto Rossi who has led the European R&D Group through some significant changes.