Bangalore, India -- Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC, a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, announced that its subsidiaries, Momentive Performance Materials and Momentive Specialty Chemicals, will open a new regional business headquarters and state of the art Global Research and Development Centre in Bangalore, India.

The new facility will be located on a 2-acre plot in the second phase of Bangalores "Electronic City" and will initially house 125 associates. Research scientists based at the facility will work on new technology platforms and product development for new and existing applications in diverse industry segments including personal care, energy, healthcare, electronics, automotive, and construction. In addition, the centre will serve as Momentives regional headquarters and will house its commercial and business support functions. Completion of the centre, already under construction, is anticipated for the first quarter of 2012. The Bangalore facility will be a key addition to Momentives global network of research and development centres located in key regions to drive innovation for customers.

"This new regional headquarters and research centre represents an important step in our continuing investment in India and demonstrates our commitment to customers in the region," said Craig O. Morrison, Momentive Chairman & CEO, who is in Bangalore for meeting with customers, governmental officials and the local Momentive team. "Indias world class technical talent, growing demand for new applications based on our products, and strong regional growth opportunities combine to make this a compelling investment opportunity to fuel and support growth."

Momentive currently has its regional headquarters in Bangalore and manufacturing and warehousing operations in Chennai. India represents one of the fastest-growing regions for Momentive, said Morrison, and is projected to be a key growth area for the company in the future.

Dr Eric Thaler, Chief Technology Officer for Momentive Performance Materials, said: "We are excited that we will be able to provide a world class facility for our scientists here in Bangalore. They are driving tremendous value for our customers through product innovation and new advanced technology platforms, and this new center will help us attract and retain the top talent needed to continue and accelerate these efforts."

"Momentive will carry forward its legacy of continuing to grow, expand and invest in India to support our customers," said V P Nalian, Momentives Managing Director for India. "We are excited about this new global centre as we believe that combining global technology with local fulfillment is the best way we can support our customers success."