Nanotech materials science innovator P2i opens new global HQ in Abingdon

P2i, the world leader in liquid-repellent nano-coating technology, has opened its new global headquarters and research facility at Milton Park, Abingdon.

P2i has doubled the size of its office and laboratory complex, in response to the fast-growing international adoption of its revolutionary nanoscopic liquid repellency technology.

Ed Vaizey, MP for Wantage and Didcot, who formally opened the new premises, said: “I am completely blown away by the ingenuity and exciting commercial potential of P2i’s nano-coating technology. Having seen the amazing results, where liquid simply beads and rolls off the treated material, the rapid growth of the company is now no surprise to me. I am honoured to have P2i’s new global HQ within my constituency.”

Such is the pace of growth, materials science innovator P2i has also recruited 15 new staff in recent months, and has opened a US East-Coast Office in Savannah, Georgia. It also won Innovative Business of the Year 2009 at the Oxfordshire Business Awards held in June.

Carl Francis, P2i’s CEO, said: “These are exciting times for P2i. This significant expansion of our operation arises directly from the focused commercialisation we have undertaken during the past year, and reflects the continuing success we predict for the future.
“Our highly innovative technology enables manufacturers to dramatically improve the performance of their products by protecting them from the effects of water and all other liquids. This growth in our infrastructure will help accelerate the development and roll-out of our technology across multiple vertical business markets.”

James Dipple, Managing Director of MEPC Milton Park, said: “P2i is a dynamic and innovative company and one which truly represents the many forward thinking and progressive organisations at home on Milton Park. We are delighted to support P2i with flexible and practical business accommodation and to continue seeing its scientific developments turn into great commercial successes.”

P2i was established in 2004 to commercialise super liquid-repellent treatments developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. P2i’s patented technology has now been scaled up to operate in commercial manufacturing, where it has been successfully applied to a wide range of products in a number of markets including performance textiles (hiking and military boots; running and golf shoes), filtration media, hearing aids and laboratory consumables.

P2i delivers its technology through a range of exclusive processing machines that are easy to deploy, integrate and scale up in high-volume production, and are simple to operate with only a single button-press required. P2i has over 25 installations across North America, mainland Europe, China and Indonesia.
For more information on P2i, see the website at www.p2ilabs.com.

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Notes for Editors

About P2i
P2i is the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology. We make good products great by applying innovative science. Our revolutionary technology enables our customers to improve the performance of their products and protect them from the effects of water and all other liquids. This builds value by commanding premium prices and/or reducing costs.
P2i Ltd was established in 2004 to commercialise liquid-repellent treatments developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Now on a commercial scale, P2i’s patented process has been successfully applied to a wide range of products in a wide range of markets including performance textiles, filtration media and bio-consumables.
In consumer sectors the presence of P2i’s technology is indicated by its consumer brand, ion-mask™, now available in premium products from Hi-Tec, MAGNUM, Ecco and more.
See www.p2ilabs.com for more information. Corporate enquiries to:
Tel: +44 (0)1235 833100 Fax: +44 (0)1235 861214 Email: info@p2ilabs.com

How P2i’s technology works
P2i’s technology works by applying a nanometre-thick polymer layer over the entire surface of a product. Using an ionised gas (plasma) this layer is molecularly bound to the surface and will not leach away. The process confers superior oil and water repellency by reducing the surface energy to ultra-low levels – down to one third that of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). In footwear and textile applications, P2i’s technology also minimises liquid absorption from outside elements and evaporated perspiration.

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