April 5, 2002 — Shanghai, China — With the opening of its newest facility in Shanghai, Agilent Technologies, Inc. hopes to aid China in becoming an international leader in research and development (R&D) facilities. The new company, Agilent Technologies Shanghai Co. Ltd. (ATS) is a joint venture between Agilent and the Shanghai Precision and Scientific Instrumentation Company (SPSIC.)

Initially, the new facility will handle R&D and manufacturing activities for Agilent’s life sciences and chemical analysis business and will be the Software Application Development Center for the company’s automated business. Long term plans include R&D for the communication and semiconductor industries.

"ATS marks an important and strategic investment of Agilent in the Asia Pacific region. It again demonstrates our commitment to the long-term development and continuous investment in China," notes Ned Barnholt, president and CEO of Agilent.

ATS will offer high-quality, low-cost chemical separation/analysis, molecular biology, application software and solutions integration, communication and network management products and services to China and worldwide markets, according to the release. The facility occupies 10,000 square meters employs some 230 engineering, manufacturing and administrative staff.