INVISTA Opens $13M Technology Hub on Merchants Way in Katy
INVISTA has opened its $13 million Texas Technology Center (TTC) on Merchants Way in Katy as part of its efforts to expand research and development capabilities for its Nylon and Propylene businesses. The nearly 40,000-square-foot facility, first announced in August 2024, will serve as a site for scientific and engineering advancements in chemical intermediates and polymer product lines.
The TTC will employ more than 50 team members specializing in R&D, Engineering, and Advanced Process Control, as well as data scientists, Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) professionals, and project transformation teams. The facility is designed to support research programs and technological developments in these fields.
“The Texas Technology Center now provides a hub for projects and partnerships that will support ongoing industry developments,” said Jerry Grunewald, vice president of research and development for INVISTA. “At INVISTA, we aim to develop technologies that align with market needs, and this R&D center in the Houston metro area will contribute to that process.”
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INVISTA’s Role in Chemical Manufacturing
INVISTA, a subsidiary of Koch Industries since 2004, is a manufacturer of chemical intermediates, polymers, and fibers. The company’s materials are used in industries including automotive, medical, textiles, and food packaging. Products such as nylon 6,6 and polypropylene are among INVISTA’s contributions to various markets.
The TTC in Katy will be used to develop and refine INVISTA’s core technologies. During the opening event, Brook Vickery, President and CEO of INVISTA, addressed the facility’s role within the company’s operations.
“Touring the R&D facilities at the Texas Technology Center today demonstrated the scale of capabilities now centralized in Texas,” said Vickery. “The resources at this site will contribute to research efforts in advancing INVISTA’s businesses. Earlier this year, I visited our Asia Innovation Center in Shanghai, and the company now has expanded research sites in multiple global locations.”
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Research & Development Focus
The Texas Technology Center will be used to support INVISTA’s research and development programs, focusing on process improvements and potential new product applications. The facility includes analytical and experimental capabilities aimed at enhancing material performance and efficiency.
By expanding its presence in the Houston metro area, INVISTA aims to strengthen its research capacity and industry contributions. The company states that the investment in TTC is part of its broader strategy to advance material sciences and support industry demand for high-performance materials.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
