Germany-based specialty chemicals supplier Cognis GmbH has opened Cognis Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Selangor-based wholly owned subsidiary employing technical and commercial managers to support each of its strategic business units -- Care Chemicals, Functional Products, and Nutrition & Health. Cognis cited significant growth in the Malaysian market and the importance of the Asia-Pacific region as reasons for opening the new affiliate. The Asia-Pacific region is the company's third-biggest market behind Europe and North America.

"We believe that Malaysia and the whole Asia-Pacific region has significant growth potential that is fully in line with Cognis' strategy," said Jimmy Lau, legal representative, Cognis Malaysia. "By opening an affiliate in Malaysia, we want to gain a deeper understanding of the local market and be closer to our customers. We aim to double Cognis' sales in Malaysia over the next five years by helping our customers to gain the competitive edge they need to succeed."

January 20, 2010