Growing customer demand has spurred Swiss rigid films and foils producer Bilcare Research (Allschwil; www.bilcaresolutions.com) to invest in an additional laminator at its site in Wilmington, Delaware / USA. The new capacity will be available at the beginning of 2017. The company, which sells mono and barrier blister films to the global pharmaceutical industry, said the investment would allow it to offer its “Aclar” laminates for stability packaging, as well as line trial samples and full commercial volumes.

“This investment in a new laminating line is just the latest component of our continued growth strategy to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving business models of the global pharmaceutical industry. We see increased demand across our entire range of Bilcare 'Aclar' laminates, from both ethical and generic pharmaceutical companies,” said Kevin Stevens, president and managing director of Bilcare Research.

The project is part of a EUR 50m investment that was announced in August 2014, mostly targeted at boosting its business in South America and Asia – see Plasteurope.com of 06.08.2014. According to Bilcare, its “Aclar” range provides the highest moisture barrier of any films of its type.