Cleveland, Ohio – Lubrizol has updated its global TPU expansion programme taking investment to nearly $80m.
The plans are designed to support growing demand for its TPU products, including Estane, Pearlthane and Pearlbond.
Lubrizol update on TPU expansion plans
New state-of-the-art production capabilities are being added in North America, with expanded raw material storage, warehouse space and improved site logistics. The company anticipates this will be on-stream later this year.
The company recently inaugurated a fourth expansion at its site in Songjiang, China. This included a new compounding and extrusion lines. Lubrizol said it has produced TPU in Songjiang since the early 2000s. It claims to be the first foreign company to invest in local TPU production. The company says it plans further Asian investment in 2019.
Production capabilities for elastomers, aliphatics and adhesives in Europe are being extended, too. The company says its next major European expansion is planned for 2019.
‘Ongoing investments in engineered polymers are an integral part of Lubrizol’s global growth strategy,' said Arnau Pano, Lubrizol Engineered Materials’ vice president and general manager. The goal is to 'strengthen our position in every region of the world,’ he added. The market is 'robus, poised for growth with a rebounding global economy, infrastructure and technology investments,' he added. There is 'increasing demand for higher performing, more sustainable materials.’
