Research and Technology
Research and Technology Mission
Innovation and Discovery
Houghton R and T develops advanced fluid technologies that enable our customers to improve profitability and product quality while minimizing risks in manufacturing operations. We achieve our mission by maintaining a strategic focus on innovation, knowledge and efficiency in scientific discovery and application.
Houghton’s 150 Year History and Commitment to Innovation
Strategic Focus
Innovation
Houghton develops new products using novel chemistry and state of the art tribology equipment, guided by the principles of Design of Experiment (DOE) statistical analysis. Our advanced resources and processes provide the foundation for our breakthrough chemistries and industry leadership.
Knowledge
We deliver focused customer support through on-site audits and analysis, combined with lab-based process simulation, product development and testing. Our product portfolio is driven by the key markets we serve, and we apply our deep industry experience and knowledge to continuously advance technology platforms.
Efficiency
We improve our customers’ operating performance through an efficient process of optimizing fluid performance in the lab before implementing proven solutions on site.
Research and Technology Approach
Serving global customers through science and support
Houghton has built a strong reputation for delivering advanced technologies through a commitment to research, development and customer focus on a global scale.
Partnerships
Our customer-focused R and D approach focuses on solving complex customer problems. Houghton scientists are dedicated to developing breakthrough fluid solutions that improve manufacturing performance, reduce total cost of operation, minimize risks and comply with ever-changing global environmental regulations – earning us the distinction of trusted partner and industry leader.
Location
Customer focused research and development is the mandate for Houghton’s 200 scientists worldwide.
Americas
In the U.S., Houghton operates an R and D lab and a technical services lab at its Valley Forge, Pennsylvania headquarters and a lab for the metal finishing product line in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Europe
Houghton’s labs in Germany, France, Italy Spain and the UK conduct R and D and technical support.
Asia
Labs in China, Thailand, Brazil, India, Singapore and Australia provide local technical support and new product deployment.
Technology
Houghton invests in the latest tribology equipment to support the innovative work of our product development chemists and to maintain the highest quality technical support for our customers.
Collaboration
Houghton’s organizational structure is aligned to drive global collaboration – ensuring worldwide commitment and resources focused on solving industry wide challenges.










Research and Technology Published Papers
Houghton’s Research and Technology group has a long history of presenting papers and leading technical discussions at conferences and symposiums throughout the world. These publications and presentations cover the latest research on the numerous application areas that Houghton covers.Recent publications and presentations can be found below.For further information on any of these presentations, please contact our Research and Technology department.