Toray Plastics America (TPA, North Kingstown, Rhode Island / USA; www.toraytpa.com), subsidiary of Toray Industries (Tokyo / Japan; www.toray.com), is investing an undisclosed sum in a production line for 8.7-metre oriented PP film. The new facility is part of the Japanese group’s multi-year strategic plan launched in 2016 to expand and automate production capabilities. The plant for films used in packaging, label, medical and industrial applications is expected to go onstream in 2020.

Christopher Roy, senior vice president and general manager of the “Torayfan” division, to which the Rhode Island site belongs, said the investment will include construction of a new building to house OPP equipment. Projects recently completed at the US subsidiary include construction of a second cogeneration system as well as automation throughout the plant, including a fully automated packaging line.

The Toray offshoot’s portfolio includes polyester, polypropylene, bio-based and metallised films for flexible and rigid packaging, lidding, medical, graphic, industrial, optical and electronic applications, all concentrated at North Kingstown. The company’s other US site at Fort Royal, Virginia specialises in polyolefin foams.