Clariant to expand global manufacturing of masterbatches for engineering and high-temp resins

06-May-16

Clariant has announced plans to invest CHF 7.5 mln (approx. £5.4 mln GBP) in specialised equipment and facilities to expand its capabilities and capacities for the production of colour and additive masterbatches for use in engineering resins and high-temperature plastics, such as PEEK. The move, it says, will benefit customers, particularly in Africa and Europe, by providing faster delivery and development of high temperature, customised materials which previously had to be sourced from overseas. The company will use its expertise from its production of these materials in its major US plants for the new facilities. “Global demand for high-temperature plastics and compatible masterbatches is booming,” explained Jeff Saeger, who is heading the expansion programme for Clariant. “Fuelled by new products in the automotive, small consumer electronics and electrical markets, the use of engineering materials is growing at annual rates of seven or eight percent, well above the growth rate of the plastics industry as a whole. Clariant has state-of-the-art capabilities in the United States to handle these materials and will now leverage that experience and expertise around the world.” The largest investment has been earmarked for plants in Shanghai, Singapore, and further lines and equipment at two of its plants in the U.S.A.