Two US subsidiaries of PU-processing specialist Recticel (Brussels / Belgium; www.recticel.com) have applied for Chapter 11 protection against creditors. Recticel Interiors North America (RINA) and Recticel Urepp North America (RUNA), both part of Recticel’s automotive division, filed for judicial protection at the end of October, leaving them three months to reposition contracts.

Whereas RINA manufactures and markets interior trim for cars at plants in Clarkston, Michigan and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, RUNA produces polyurethane compounds at a plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan – both for RINA and for other customers. Together, both companies employ some 250 workers.

Recticel emphasised that the judicial proceedings will have no effect on other group activities or on the results for 2009.