Naugatuck Company Dedicates Building to Longtime Innovators

Editor's Note: The following press release was distributed by the office of state Reps. Rosa Rebimbas and Davlid Labriola.

State Reps. Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-70) and David Labriola (R-131) Thursday congratulated Dr. Ed Wheeler and Dr. Walter Nudenberg on the dedication of a Naugatuck technology facility bearing their names.

During a short dedication ceremony at Chemtura’s Spencer Street facility the men were honored as the building was renamed the Nudenberg-Wheeler Technology Center.

Drs. Wheeler and Nudenberg were instrumental in pioneering many of the processes still used today in rubber and polymer processing and manufacturing. Between them, they hold hundreds of product and process patents and their work on synthetic rubber compounds has led to better manufacturing processes and longer life for rubber products used in both consumer and commercial applications.

“The commitment these men made to science and the advancement of developing rubber technologies have greatly contributed to the continued success of Chemtura and having a building named after them is a fitting honor,” Rep. Rebimbas said.

Rep. Labriola added, “The advancements these men made in rubber and polymer technology have benefitted each and every one of us.  Anyone who has ridden in a car or flown in an airplane owes their safety to these two scientists and their dedication to improving rubber compounds.”

Chemtura is a global producer in specialty chemicals such as polyol esters used in synthetic lubricants and urethane pre-polymers used in products from golf balls to roller skate wheels. Chemtura is also a leader in organometallic chemistry benefitting the electronics, photovoltaics, pharmaceutical, glass and automobile industries.  The company employs more than 4,400 people throughout the world, including at their Middlebury and Naugatuck facilities.

“Chemtura is a global company and their investment of $10 million into this facility in Naugatuck reaffirms their strong roots and commitment to Naugatuck and Connecticut,” Rep. Rebimbas said.  “I am proud that Chemtura chose to expand their presence with this incredible technology center and by creating new, high-tech and sustainable jobs in our community and State.”