A NEW £1.5m technical centre and offices were opened at Rockwood, Widnes this week by Halton MP Derek Twigg.

Rockwood Additives Limited employs 140 people on the former Laportes site in Moorfield Road.

Frank Wright, the company's managing director, said: "This investment demonstrates Rockwood's commitment to this site and will allow our people to make the best use of their skills and expertise in speciality chemicals."

Development

The technical centre houses all technical functions from research and development through to quality control and analytical services.

It includes sophisticated testing facilities, operated by skilled and experienced chemists and engineers.

Rockwood Widnes is a division of Rockwood Specialities Inc, an American multi-national speciality chemicals company, with HQ in New Jersey.

Halton Council officers, teachers from neighbouring schools, local suppliers and customers were invited to join Rockwood board members at the opening ceremony.

The company has worked hard to develop close links with the local community.