PITTSBURGH — Pilot Chemical Co. officially opened its new Innovation Center in Pittsburgh on July 25. The center — an expansion of the Pilot Polymer Technologies laboratory facility in Pittsburgh — doubles the size of the original facility. Pilot Chemical has added nine new roles to staff the facility, built to address customer needs and develop new products.

The construction of the center is a milestone in Pilot Chemical’s Technology and Innovation Initiative, which the company launched in January. Under the initiative, the company is investing $5 million this year — and millions more over the next five years — in technology and innovation.

The company’s CEO and President, Pam Butcher, and the Chairman of the company’s board, Paul Morrisroe, joined Pilot Chemical’s Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Patrick McCarthy, for the official ribbon cutting.

 “The construction of the Innovation Center reflects Pilot Chemical’s firm commitment to innovation and our customers,” said Butcher. “With the opening of this center and the planned opening of a Technology Center in Cincinnati in the near future, Pilot is ready for the future and the changing needs of the marketplace.”