Shimadzu has announced the opening of its new Shimadzu Center for Advanced Analytical Chemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington).

The new facility is located within the university's chemistry and physics building and becomes the largest installation of Shimadzu analytical instruments in the western hemisphere.

Around $6 million (3.78 million pounds) worth of chromatography, mass spectrometry and spectroscopy equipment will be housed at the centre, which will be used to conduct research into new treatments for disease such as cancer and malaria.

It will also form an important asset for the university itself, which comprises nearly 33,500 students.

Shuzo Maruyama, president at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, said: "UT Arlington has a dynamic science programme focused on the future and Shimadzu is pleased and eager to support such a research institution."

Last year, the company developed its UK headquarters in Milton Keynes as a centre of excellence for analytical and environmental instrumentation, providing various services for British clients.