Covestro (Leverkusen / Germany; www.covestro.com) has broken ground on a project to install a new production line for polycarbonate films at Map Ta Phut / Thailand. A sum of more than EUR 100m is being invested in the global expansion, which also includes extending associated infrastructure and logistics.

The project is the first step in Covestro’s plans to increase PC films capacity worldwide – see Plasteurope.com of 19.07.2018. “Our main objective with this expansion is to intensify our collaboration with customers in Asia-Pacific, in particular, to improve efficiency and punctual delivery. With market-focused innovations and a stronger customer orientation we want to drive growth for Covestro,” said Thorsten Dreier, global head of the speciality films business.

Covestro said it is designing the new facility to extend its range of products in response to fast-growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region. Start-up is expected by the end of 2019.

The existing plant went onstream in January 2007, producing “Makrofol“ and “Bayfol” PC blend films used for security and ID cards as well as applications in the automotive, medical, electrical and electronic sectors. The company is also adding more PC films capacity at Dormagen / Germany, Guangzhou / China, and South Deerfield in Massachusetts / USA.