Cologne-based specialty chemicals company Lanxess is building a new plant for high-performance plastics in Changzhou for around EUR 20 million, according to the company. When complete, the compounding plant will reportedly produce up to 25,000 metric tons of Durethan- and Pocan-branded high-tech plastics for the automotive sector and the electric and electronics industry.
“China is the largest automotive market in the world and is setting the pace for electromobility. We want to support growth in this important region and are expanding our presence in the high-performance plastic segment,” says Matthias Zachert, chairman of the Lanxess board of management. Lanxess already operates a plant for high-performance plastics in Wuxi, China.
With the investment, Lanxess says it is also significantly strengthening the Changzhou site. At the Binjiang Chemical Park in Changzhou, the company has plants for leather chemicals and synthetic rubber, which currently employ around 350 people. The new plant for high-performance plastics will create 35 additional jobs.
The automotive industry is the most important customer for Lanxess’ high-performance plastics, according to the company. The materials allow construction of components to replace metal parts in motor vehicles and thus contribute to reducing weight, fuel consumption and emissions. Lanxess plastics are reportedly used in engine applications, door structures, pedals, front ends and cockpit cross members. Depending on the part, the lightweight construction can make a weight-saving of up to 50%, says Lanxess.
For more information, visit: www.lanxess.com