Officials joined Chemours for the groundbreaking event at the STAR Campus.

The Chemours Company, a global chemistry company with leading market positions in titanium technologies, fluoroproducts and chemical solutions, announced on Dec. 18 that it has broken ground on the company's new state-of-the-art research and innovation facility on the University of Delaware's Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus. Inspired by a vision for the facility to be a center for discovery, the space will be known by a name benefitting that vision: The Chemours Discovery Hub.

In partnership with University of Delaware, The Chemours Discovery Hub will conduct cutting edge research focused on new process, product and application development to better meet customer and market needs. Construction on the new 312,000-sq.-ft. facility, representing an investment of approximately $150 million, is expected to be completed by early 2020.

To celebrate this partnership, University of Delaware leadership, Delaware Gov. John Carney, federal elected officials, and other local and state officials joined Chemours for the groundbreaking event at the STAR Campus.

“This is much more than a brick-and-mortar story; it's about the discoveries to come that just might change or at least shape the future,” said Mark Vergnano, Chemours president and CEO. “The Chemours Discovery Hub will serve as a gathering place — a center for activity where vision, ambition, intelligence, and creative energy will flourish — not just for years, but for decades to come.”

“[This] groundbreaking goes far beyond a new building for Chemours,” said Dennis Assanis, UD president. “As partners in innovation and economic development, Chemours and UD will build dynamic connections across business, education, research, learning and discovery. We are breaking ground on a new era of opportunity at the STAR Campus for the University of Delaware, our state and our shared future.”

“Collaboration between businesses and educational institutions has never been more important to the future of our economy,” said Carney. “This partnership between Chemours and the University of Delaware will drive innovation on the STAR campus, and connect Delaware students with leaders in their fields. Chemours' investment in this state-of-the-art facility also will continue a long tradition of important scientific discovery in Delaware, and keep good, high-paying jobs right here in our state.”

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