Momentive Announces Opening of New Global Research & Development Center in Bangalore, India

New Facility Also Serves as Regional Business Headquarters


BANGALORE, INDIA, - Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC (“Momentive”), a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, announced today that its subsidiaries, Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Momentive Speciality Chemicals Inc., have opened a new Global Research and Development Center and business headquarters for the India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) region in Bangalore, India.

The new facility is located on a two-acre plot in the west of Bangalore’s “Electronic City” and will initially house around 100 associates. Research scientists based at the facility will work on new global technology platforms and product development for new and existing applications in diverse industry segments, including: personal care, energy, healthcare, electronics, automotive, and construction. In addition, as Momentive’s regional headquarters, the facility will house its commercial, business support, business process and information technology functions. The Bangalore facility will be a key addition to Momentive’s global network of research and development centers located in strategic regions to drive innovation for customers.

“This new Global Research Center and regional headquarters represents an important step in our continuing investment in India and demonstrates our commitment to customers in the region and all over the world,” said John Dandolph, President of the Silicones and Quartz Division of Momentive Performance Materials Inc. “India’s world class technical talent, growing demand for new applications enabled by our products, and strong growth opportunities combine to make this an excellent location to fuel and support our growth plans.”

“Momentive currently has its regional headquarters in Bangalore and a world class manufacturing operation in Chennai. The IMEA region represents one of the fast-growing regions for Momentive, and is projected to be a key growth area for the company in the future,” added Dandolph.

“In addition to accelerating penetration of our market leading technologies into the IMEA region, this new center will be integrated into our current network of development centers around the world, enhancing development of critical new technologies that will serve our global customer base,” said Dr. Rich Myers, chief technology officer, Momentive Specialty Chemicals.

“Momentive will carry forward its legacy of continuing to invest, expand and grow within the IMEA region to support our customers,” said V P Nalian, Momentive’s Vice President & General Manager for IMEA. “We are excited about our new global technology center since we believe that combining global technology with local fulfilment is key to driving sustainable growth through innovation.’”

"We are excited that we will be able to provide a world class facility for our scientists here in Bangalore,” said Dr. Pavneet Mumick, chief technology officer for Momentive Performance Materials Inc. “Our researchers are driving tremendous value for our customers through product innovation and new advanced technology platforms. This new center will help us attract and retain the top talent needed to continue and accelerate these efforts.”

About Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is a global leader in silicones and advanced materials, with a 70-year heritage of being first to market with performance applications for major industries that support and improve everyday life. The Company delivers science-based solutions, by linking custom technology platforms to opportunities for customers. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC.


About Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. (formerly known as Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.) is the global leader in thermoset resins. Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. serves the global wood and industrial markets through a broad range of thermoset technologies, specialty products and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries. Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC.

About Momentive

Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC (“Momentive”) is the ultimate parent company of Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. Momentive is a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, with a broad range of advanced specialty products that help industrial and consumer companies support and improve everyday life. Its technology portfolio delivers tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers around the world. Momentive was formed in October 2010 through the combination of entities that indirectly owned Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Hexion Specialty Chemicals Inc. The capital structures and legal entity structures of both Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. (formerly known as Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.), and their respective subsidiaries and direct parent companies, remain separate. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. file separate financial and other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Momentive is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC. Additional information about Momentive and its products is available at www.momentive.com.