DuPont Global R&D Headquarters Marks 100th Anniversary Today
Experimental Station – home to nylon, Kevlar® and Tyvek® – continues to develop cutting-edge innovations
WILMINGTON, Del., October 13, 2003 — Home to some of the world's most important scientific discoveries, the DuPont Experimental Station research and development facility today marked its 100th anniversary. DuPont Chairman and CEO Charles O. Holliday, Jr., joined Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner, DuPont Chief Science and Technology Officer Thomas M. Connelly and more than 1,000 Experimental Station employees in marking the scientific contributions of the "Ex-Station" since its opening in the fall of 1903.
As one of the first research facilities of its kind in the world, the 150-acre campus-style Experimental Station near here serves as the primary research and development facility for DuPont. The company has more than 75 research and development facilities globally, including 35 outside the United States. The Experimental Station is home to the discovery and development of virtually every major DuPont product since 1903 – including neoprene, nylon, Kevlar® and Nomex® advanced fibers, Lycra® spandex, Tyvek® nonwovens, Corian® solid surfaces, and Suva® refrigerants.
Today nearly 2,000 scientists and researchers – including 600 with Ph.D.s – pursue science-based solutions for global markets including agriculture and nutrition, electronics, safety and protection, coatings, and performance materials.
Research and development now under way includes fuel cells energy sources, emerging flat-panel displays technologies, and bio-based materials produced from renewable resources like corn. Other current developments at the Experimental Station could lead to foods that help prevent cancer and brittle bones; "smart" materials that can adjust performance on their own; microorganisms as alternatives to petrochemicals in producing carpets, clothes and auto materials, and; innovative materials that strengthen personal protection.
"When the Experimental Station opened in 1903, the focus was to diversify from our origins in gunpowder manufacturing to become a chemicals and materials company," Holliday said. "One hundred years later – in the midst of our third transformation – we are a global science company that puts science to work – solving problems in ways that make people's lives better, easier and safer. While much has changed since 1903, two essential characteristics have remained constant: What we value – our high ethical standards, respect for people, and commitment to safety, health and the environment – and how we create value for society – by applying science and knowledge to improve life on your planet. These characteristics are the foundation of our past and present success, and they will continue to guide us in the future."
"Thanks in large part to the presence of DuPont, Delaware is home to some of the leading research in the world and the Experimental Station is at the heart of those efforts," Gov. Minner said. "Delawareans are very proud of the fact that products known the world over were born right here next to the Brandywine River."
Minner, Holliday, Connelly and more than 1,000 Experimental Station employees marked the 100th anniversary by dedicating a bronzed building plaque and a time capsule – filled with key artifacts, commemoratives and employees' contributions representing the milestone. Time capsule contents include current photos of the Experimental Station, the book "DuPont: From the Banks of the Brandywine to Miracles of Science," and the latest DuPont annual review. Following the time-honored tradition to ensure surprises when a time capsule is opened, a comprehensive list of contents is not available.
Attached below is a fact sheet on Experimental Station milestones – including several examples of innovative products and materials that were developed at the "Ex-Station" over the last 100 years.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
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10/13/03
Editor's Note: A high-resolution aerial photo of the Experimental Station can be downloaded by clicking on the link below.
http://www1.dupont.com/dupontglobal/corp/images/US/en_US/
news/releases/media/09AerialshotofExperimentalStation.tif
Editor's Note: Fact sheet on Experimental Station milestones – including several examples of innovative products and materials that were developed at the "Ex-Station" over the last 100 years is available in PDF format by Clicking Here.
The DuPont Oval, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, and Kevlar®, Nomex®, Lycra®, Tyvek®, Corian®, and Suva® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.