12/22/2008 — Master site admin
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Kraton Polymers Relocating R&D Facility to Katy Area
Posted: 12/10/2008
For Immediate Release: December 9, 2008
As the original pioneer of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), Kraton has provided continuous leadership in this product line through over four decades of focused and ongoing innovation to meet constant market demands for improved polymers. Kraton’s R&D activities focus on supporting the needs of industry and in helping customers respond to changing market trends. By maintaining close relationships with its customers and staying abreast of their evolving needs, Kraton seeks to maintain its
leadership position by remaining alert to the changing dynamics and needs of the marketplace. Kraton’s products are used in the following applications: Adhesives and sealants, bitumen modification, coatings and gels, packaging and films, personal care, medical, compounding, and polymer modification. For more information, visit: http://www.kraton.com/
About KGW Real Estate KGW Real Estate is a national company focused on serving the needs of our corporate clients and investors. Centrally headquartered in Dallas, Texas with strategic offices throughout the United States, the seasoned veterans comprising our team have strong backgrounds in corporate real estate, finance, real estate law, construction and commercial investments. For more information visit: http://www.kgwre.com About the Katy EDC The Katy Area Economic Development Council is a non-profit, private 501(c) 6, full-service economic development corporation that was incorporated in October 2003 with the mission of establishing the Katy area as a premier location for families and businesses through planned economic growth and development. Since its inception, the Katy EDC has helped facilitate the creation of thousands of announced quality jobs, millions of sq. ft. in new and leased buildings, and billions of dollars in announced capital investment in the Katy Area. For more information visit: www.katyedc.org
Contacts:
Lothar Freund, VP Technology, Kraton Polymers LLC, 281-688-3162, lothar.freund@kraton.com
Kevin G. White, CEO, KGW Real Estate: 713-739-9200, kwhite@kgwre.com
Lance LaCour, CEO, Katy Area EDC: 281-396-2200, lancelacour@katyedc.org
Lothar Freund of Kraton Polymers LLC ("Kraton"), Kevin White of KGW Real Estate, and Lance LaCour, CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council (the "Katy EDC") have announced the relocation of Kraton’s Research and Development facility from the Shell Westhollow Technology Center (WTC) to an 85,000 sq. ft technology building at 16400 Park Row Blvd., formerly known as the Reliability Building.
Kraton’s relocation is occurring in connection with Shell’s expansion project at WTC, where Kraton is currently located. "We are excited about the move to Park Row as it has the space we need in a location favorable to our employees," noted Lothar Freund of Kraton. "We plan to make a substantial investment in the new facility. Approximately seventy employees will be relocating and we anticipate hiring more people at this new location in the coming years."
Mr. Freund thanked Kevin White of KGW Real Estate for his handling of the project, as well as Fuller Realty Partners, LLC , the owners of the building. Mr. Freund also acknowledged Lance LaCour for the Katy EDC’s proposal for incentives and training assistance at the new facility. Kraton is leasing the Park Row site and expects to be in operation at the new facility by April 2009.
"We were pleased to handle this project for our client, Kraton Polymers," said Mr. White. KGW also handled the relocation of Kraton’s headquarters from downtown Houston to JFK Boulevard (near Bush International Airport) two years ago.
LaCour noted that the Katy EDC is thrilled about Kraton choosing the Park Row facility. The Katy EDC has been involved in marketing the building and providing prospective tenants with information about the area. "We performed research, identified properties and assembled an incentives package that included a grant proposal from the Katy Area EDC Opportunity Fund, a commitment to provide local training assistance, and some ‘Local Goodwill Incentives’ from area businesses for enterprises relocating to the Katy Area," stated LaCour. "WTC is located outside of Katy ISD and this move will bring Kraton, a world-class Company, into Katy ISD.
About Kraton Polymers