The total investment for the expansion is around USD 80 million, and the new capacities are to be added in the North America, Europe, and Asia regions.
March 16, 2018
The Lubrizol Corporation announces an update to its ambitious global expansion program supporting the company’s Engineered Polymers thermoplastics polyurethane (TPU) business and growing global demand for its Estane® TPU, Pearlthane(TM) TPU, Pearlbond(TM) TPU and other product lines.
The new capacities are being added in key plants in North America, Europe and Asia. The multi-million-dollar expansions have been made with a combined investment of nearly USD 80 million. The new capabilities and capacity demonstrate long term commitment and dedication to technology leadership, innovation, automation and supply chain reliability.
In North America, the company is adding new state-of-the-art production capabilities, expanded raw material storage, warehouse space and improved site logistics. With the latest investment, new capacity is expected to come on-stream later this year.
In Songjiang, China, the company held a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month to inaugurate a new compounding line and new extrusion lines. 2018 marks the fourth major expansion in Songjiang since the plant first produced TPU in the early 2000’s. Recognizing the vast potential of the Chinese market, Lubrizol was the first foreign company to invest in local TPU production. Further investment is planned in Asia in 2019.
In Europe, the company is extending production capabilities for elastomers, aliphatics and adhesives. These expansions build on the acquisition of Merquinsa in 2011, and improvements to R&D laboratories in 2016. A next major European expansion is planned for 2019.
