With the extensive expansion of R&D in Spain, Hempel’s new state-of-the-art center focuses on bringing high performing fire protective coatings solutions to the global market. Intumescent coatings – passive fire protection that lengthens the time a steel structure will remain intact during a fire – provide longer evacuation times and allow emergency personnel more time to respond. That means that these advanced coatings solutions not only help protect investments, but can potentially save lives. Naturally, as global awareness of intumescents has grown, demand has increased. Worldwide, customers are requesting high quality coating systems for fire protection together with Hempel’s package of anti-corrosive coatings. With the expansion of the state-of-the-art R&D centre in Spain, Hempel now has the opportunity to better serve these customers with a more complete protective system. The market for passive fire protection through intumescent coatings is expected to increase over the coming years. By expanding their product portfolio to include this important safety solution, Hempel also furthers its strategic goal for growth in the Protective coatings segment. “Along with a state-of-the-art facility, we have also established a team with years of experience in intumescent product development,” says Hempel Business Development Manager Lars Risum. “The key focus of the new team is to develop a range of highly competitive intumescent coatings and protective systems to give our customers more integrated solutions.”