Responding to customer needs during the energy crisis of the 1970s, Nalco's 50 years of experience in water treatment and petroleum technology, along with continued aggressive international expansion, helped the Company maintain a strong growth course Within Nalco's research and development efforts, there was significant movement from inorganic to organic chemistry and Nalco pioneered the development of important synthetic polymers for use in water treatment Diesel fuel oil treatments and combustion catalysts, along with weed control chemicals for railroads created opportunities for Nalco in larger industrial markets The replacement of steam locomotives by diesel units eliminated virtually half of Nalco's business in the United Sates In 1986, a 300,000 square foot complex was constructed adjacent to the Technical Center and Nalco moved its corporate headquarters to Naperville