JOHNSON Matthey, a leader in sustainable technologies including batteries for electric vehicles, is opening a new application centre near Didcot.

JM has taken 22,857 sq ft (2,123 sq m) over three floors at 142 Park Drive, Milton Park, consisting of a newly built office and laboratory development.

The company was established more than 200 years ago in 1817.

It started out testing the purity of precious metals, and the business quickly expanded thanks to the vision and determination of their founders.

Today more than 14,000 Johnson Matthey professionals worldwide collaborate with their network of customers and partners.

JM is developing next generation battery materials with improved energy density (so the mileage of battery electric vehicles between charges can be increased), pulse power (for improved acceleration) and safety, while minimising the use of expensive and scarce raw material such as cobalt.

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The company’s ultra-high energy density cathode active materials deliver improvements in all these critical performance areas.

Dan Baker, financial director, battery materials at Johnson Matthey said: “Our site at Milton Park will be at the leading edge of battery technology.

“We will use our science and problem-solving ability here to work with leading automotive companies to develop tailored solutions for their applications.

Witney Gazette:

“JM is a global leader in science, and we believe this site will help us in our mission to make the world cleaner and healthier.”

The company is having a global impact in areas such as low emission transport, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing and making the most efficient use of the planet’s natural resources.

Philip Campbell, commercial director of Milton Park, added: “We’re honoured and excited for Johnson Matthey to join the Milton Park community.

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“We’re proud that the existing community and park has attracted this global company to make Milton Park a home for their pioneering battery technology centre.

“The buildings at Park Drive East were designed for optimum flexibility and we’re looking forward to seeing how Johnson Matthey uses the building to house both laboratories and offices.

“We wish them continued success as they unlock the answers to the exciting future that is battery technology.”

The letting to Johnson Matthey has meant that 142 Park Drive is now fully let.

RM, a leading supplier of technology and resources to the education sector, supporting schools, teachers and pupils across the globe, and an existing Milton Park occupier, relocated into part of the building earlier this year.

RM moved from 140 Eastern Avenue to take 17,927 sq ft (1,665 sq m) across two floors.

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Milton Park, a science and business park, is the home of 250 dynamic businesses with 9,000 staff across a variety of sectors.

MEPC develops and manages some of the UK’s best commercial real estate and provides long-term, financial performance for its investors.

The MEPC approach has achieved industry leading levels of customer retention over many years.

It has a team of highly-skilled and experienced professionals based in on-site offices to be close to occupiers.

The business estates managed by MEPC accommodate over 350 organisations and about 12,000 people working in manufacturing, professional services, and leading-edge science and technology.

For more information visit matthey.com