Building One Lab to Do the Work of Five
Exterior view of the R&D lab building in Dublin, OH. Image: Courtesy of Hexion
Hexion, a producer of adhesives and performance materials solutions for multiple industries, has announced a new global research and development center in Dublin, OH. The facility, which consolidates five of the company’s existing research laboratories into one state-of-the-art Innovation Lab, represents a landmark investment in both scientific collaboration and regional growth. By 2028, the project is expected to generate 100 high-paying jobs and further cement central Ohio as a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies.
A strategic expansion, designed for scientists
Headquartered in Columbus, Hexion has deep roots in the region. The decision to expand just northwest into Dublin aligns with the company’s commitment to building an interconnected research ecosystem. The Innovation Lab will house teams from chemical engineering, manufacturing, and materials science under one roof. This consolidation is designed to streamline the path from idea to execution and accelerate product development cycles across multiple industries, including automotive, energy, construction, and industrial manufacturing.
“Consolidating our global R&D into one site isn’t just about going faster—it’s about creating the momentum and conditions for sustained innovation,” says Robbie Currie, R&D director for natural resources at Hexion. “This new center is a chance to bring our people closer, shorten the path from idea to execution, and shape the future of what we deliver to our customers.”
Hexion placed a premium on engaging its staff throughout the design process. Currie says, “The people using this space every day are the ones who know what works. That’s why, before finalizing plans, we brought the entire team to Dublin to see the building and give direct input. Their feedback shaped early design decisions.”
The result is a facility tailored to the needs of modern research teams. Open lab neighborhoods, shared equipment areas, and informal collaboration zones are all features meant to encourage interdisciplinary exchange. In addition, the proximity of the new site to Hexion’s Columbus headquarters opens doors for closer integration with business, supply chain, and customer-facing teams.
Advanced capabilities, flexibility, and sustainable design
An inside look of Hexion’s R&D lab before renovations begin. Image: Courtesy of Hexion
The Dublin center will also host a range of specialized labs and pilot-scale test areas. “We’re building for full capability—not just in synthesis and analysis, but also in how our products perform in real-world conditions,” says Currie. “The lab will support flotation testing for mining, breakthrough testing for gas purification, and fire testing for advanced coatings. We’ll also have a fully outfitted timber testing lab.”
Flexibility is another defining feature. The facility features modular benching and reconfigurable infrastructure, enabling it to adapt to the company’s evolving needs. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are expected to be embedded across functions—from experimentation to data analysis—so the lab has been designed to support a more digital-first research culture.
Hexion is integrating sustainability into both the design and construction of the facility. “Much of the building already meets high environmental standards, but we’re going a step further by incorporating Hexion products into the design,” Currie says. “Just like in our Columbus HQ, we’ll use customer-facing panels, coatings, and technologies throughout the facility. It’s a great way to showcase what we do—and walk the talk.”
Creating space for people and partnerships to thrive
For the 40-plus employees relocating to Dublin from existing R&D sites, Hexion is making the transition a central priority. Currie highlights the company’s approach: “Safety comes first. We’re planning carefully to start up operations in Dublin and wind down our other sites without compromising on lab safety or operational integrity. People will remain a focus throughout. We’re working to make relocation as smooth as possible and helping teams establish a sense of belonging here in Dublin.”
At the same time, the company is preparing to hire new scientists and engineers to join the effort. The blend of experienced legacy staff and fresh STEM talent is expected to create a dynamic environment where collaboration and innovation thrive.
Hexion’s move underscores central Ohio’s growing role as a destination for global innovators. With strong partnerships across JobsOhio, One Columbus, and the City of Dublin, the region is building momentum as a center for materials science and sustainable product development. As the project advances toward completion and operations scale up, Hexion’s Dublin Innovation Lab is poised to become a showcase of how modern laboratory design, community support, and a forward-looking workforce can come together to transform both a company and a region.
“This is a big move, there’s energy behind it—and a clear sense of purpose in where we’re going next,” says Currie.
