Newpark Drilling Fluids Opens Technology Center
Newpark Drilling Fluids held a grand opening ceremony for its Newpark Technology Center in Katy, Texas. The celebration commenced with skydivers parachuting in while displaying American, Texas and Newpark flag replicas, followed by a flag raising ceremony conducted by the United States Army Color Guard and a ribbon cutting with Newpark executives as well. Festivities then continued indoors with tours of the center and its expansive laboratory facilities.
Newpark president Bruce Smith said, “This facility unites our technical staff and administrative staff under one roof and enables us to continue making technological breakthroughs with global effects.”
According to Newpark, one of the most unique features of the facility is the lobby’s two-story living water wall, which the company said symbolizes its commitment to environmentally conscious technology. It is the fourth largest living wall in the United States, housing nearly 700 plants. The structure uses recycled water to sustain plant life, and the hydroponic wall produces clean air within the facility.
The Newpark Technology Center is located on an expanse of 11 acres along the I-10 energy corridor near Mason Road. The 102,685 square foot complex consists of 37,000 square feet of research and development space, a high-tech training laboratory, and a field-testing and services area. The lab features a one-of‐a‐kind drilling simulator, as well as a training auditorium and a full range of world-class analytical capabilities.
newpark.com