Jan 23, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. UPM will expand its research and development function by establishing a new Asia research center in China. The center focuses on the research of fibers growing in the region and supporting local customer services and production. The center will be adjacent to UPM Changshu paper mill and it will be opened at the beginning of 2007. "The new R&D center in China will enhance our competitiveness in local product applications and in the use of locally available fibre resources. We also want to increase our cooperation with local research institutes and universities in this field", says Mr. Pauli Hänninen, executive vice president in business development. "The UPM Asia R&D center is another significant commitment by UPM to create more value-added operations in China based on the local scientific potential", emphasizes Mr. Hänninen. UPM has research units in Lappeenranta, Finland, Augsburg, Germany and Grand Rapid, Minnesota USA. UPM wood product division has a R&D center in Lahti, Finland. UPM is one of the world's leading forest products companies. The company's businesses focus on magazine papers, newsprint, fine and speciality papers, converting materials and wood products. The company has production in 15 countries and an extensive sales network comprising over 170 sales and distribution companies. UPM's turnover in 2004 was close to Euro 10 billion and the group employs approximately 33 400 people.