The centre (Shell (Shanghai) Technology Limited) will focus on lubricant product development and application for China and the wider Asia region covering countries such as India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Matthias Bichsel, Shell’s projects & technology director, said: ‘The Shanghai facility will proudly bring Shell’s technology leadership even closer to customers and partners in the region. Shell has long been at the forefront of lubricant science and technology. We recognise that better oils and greases can lead to energy savings and improved machine performance.’

The centre will become a part of Shell’s network of lubricants laboratories, working closely with the other two centres, in Hamburg, Germany and Houston, USA. These are part of a wider 10-centre strong global network of Shell R&D centres.

‘The new centre reflects the direction of the Shell Lubricants business today and the central role that China plays in its long-term growth strategy,’ said Mark Gainsborough, executive vice-president Shell Lubricants. ‘We are well-positioned to meet the anticipated growth in demand in the region. Locating in Shanghai will help us work more closely with our customers and shape mutually beneficial collaborations.'