Howell, Michigan -- Mould release agent and casting lubricants producer Chem-Trend is increasing its global presence by expanding facilities in China, Brazil and India.
Chem Trend said the expansion was aimed at reducing supply chain time frames and increasing product availability. It also is looking to take advantage of polyurethane moulding growth in each country.
A RMB150m ($24m) investment in expansion in its Qingpu, China facilities will “utilise the latest processing technology,” said the firm in a release. This is being done with Kluber Lubrication, a sister company in the Freudenberg Chemical Specialities group.
A new R&D centre for developing tailor-made products, a greater manufacturing capacity and extended warehouse and bulk storage are in the expansion plan for Qingpu – around 50km (30m) west of Shanghai – and is scheduled for completion in 2016.
Chem-Trend president and ceo Devanir Moraes said: “These investments are part of our overall global growth strategy.
“We are strategically entering and expanding in markets to meet our customers’ needs. Working on the shop floor with our customers is an integral part of our value-adding service model.”
In Valinhos, Brazil, Chem-Trend is working in partnership on to build a new administration, laboratory and manufacturing complex. The new facilities are expected to open in mid-2015.
In Mysore, India, Chem-Trend plans to expand its facility with a focus on specialty lubricants, said the firm. The expansion, due for completion in 2016, will include sales, technical service, warehouse and administrative operations, manufacturing plant and technical centre.
In Maisach, Germany, the company has expanded its Thermoplastic and Polyurethane global R&D centres and in its Howell, Michigan HQ, where Chem-Trend already has applied research and analytical labs, the plan is to increase its product development and testing capabilities.
XE Currency Conversion: 3 October 2014
