Chemtura dedicates center in honor of doctors

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Al Nitowski, senior manager of analytical services at Chemtura, left, talks with state representatives David Labriola and Rosa Rebimbas, front center, and Naugatuck Mayor Bob Mezzo, right, during a tour of the new Nudenberg-Wheeler Technology Center on Spencer Street in Naugatuck Sept. 8. CONTRIBUTED

NAUGATUCK — Chemtura’s new technology center has a new name to go along with it.

On Sept. 8, the company held a short ceremony to dedicate its new technology center on Spencer Street in Naugatuck in honor of Dr. Ed Wheeler and Dr. Walter Nudenberg. The facility now bears the name Nudenberg-Wheeler Technology Center.

The doctors were instrumental in pioneering many of the processes still used today in rubber and polymer processing and manufacturing.

“The commitment these men made to science and the advancement of developing rubber technologies have greatly contributed to the continued success of Chemtura and having a building named after them is a fitting honor,” state Rep. Rebimbas (R-70), who toured the new facility, said in a news release.

Between the doctors, they hold hundreds of product and process patents and their work on synthetic rubber compounds has led to better manufacturing processes and longer life for rubber products used in both consumer and commercial applications.

Chemtura dedicated its new technology center to Dr. Walter Nudenberg and Dr. Ed Wheeler. Sept. 8. From left, Nudenberg, Chemtura CEO Craig Rogerion, and Wheeler cut the ribbon on the new center. CONTRIBUTED

“The advancements these men made in rubber and polymer technology have benefited each and every one of us,” said state Rep. David Labriola (R-131), who also toured the facility, in a news release. “Anyone who has ridden in a car or flown in an airplane owes their safety to these two scientists and their dedication to improving rubber compounds.”

Chemtura is a global producer in specialty chemicals such as polyol esters used in synthetic lubricants and urethane pre-polymers used in products from golf balls to roller skate wheels. Chemtura is also a leader in organometallic chemistry benefiting the electronics, photovoltaics, pharmaceutical, glass and automobile industries. The company employs more than 4,400 people throughout the world, including at their Middlebury and Naugatuck facilities.

“Chemtura is a global company and their investment of $10 million into this facility in Naugatuck reaffirms their strong roots and commitment to Naugatuck and Connecticut,” Rebimbas said in the release. “I am proud that Chemtura chose to expand their presence with this incredible technology center and by creating new, high-tech and sustainable jobs in our community and state.”

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