May 31, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. FPInnovations announced inauguration of its new NanoCrystalline Cellulose (NCC) research facilities, which consist of a state-of-the-art pilot plant, new high-performance equipment for the Quebec City laboratory and two new research laboratories located at Pointe-Claire, Canada. The Pointe-Claire laboratories are dedicated primarily to NCC chemistry, as well as to NCC and nanocomposites characterization. The new laboratory equipment in Quebec City is being used in the development of advanced wood materials in the appearance, structural and composite wood products sector. The cost of the construction of the facilities and the acquisition of the research equipment amounts to $4.1 million. This investment has been made possible thanks to the financial participation of the Ministere du Developpement economique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation du Quebec for 80% of the expenses and, Natural Resources Canada, for 20%, under its Transformative Technologies Program (TT). The project will make it possible to retain 11 full-time scientists and technicians dedicated to NCC research. The pilot plant, with a production capacity of 3 kilograms per day, contains equipment based on leading edge technology that ensures a rapid transfer of research results into industrial-scale production. Automatic control measures for the equipment and prevention measures have been put in place in order to enhance product standardization and to respect the applicable standards for health and safety at work and the environment. “We are all working very hard to maintain our worldwide lead in NCC research and development. With its three kilograms per day, this small pilot plant will still be producing the largest quantity of NCC in the world”, declared Pierre Lapointe, President and CEO of FPInnovations. “We are building the future of the forest industry by focusing on the research and development of new applications, innovative products and new markets, and we will get there one success at a time”, concluded Lapointe. FPInnovations is a not-for-profit world leader that specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness and responds to the priority needs of its industrial and government members. FPInnovations’ staff numbers more than 500 employees including research laboratories in Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Thunder Bay and Vancouver, and technology transfer offices across Canada.