Borealis, a solution provider in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilisers, inaugurated a new polypropylene (PP) compounding plant in Taylorsville, US. The 50,000 sq ft facility adds 66 million pounds of capacity to strengthen Borealis’ and Borouge’s global supply capability for thermoplastic olefin (TPO) and short-glass fibre (SGF) compounds.

Among the first compounds produced in the new facility are those used to make automotive interior and exterior parts for major OEM and tier customers, according to a press release by Borealis.

The plant is ideally located in the southeast region of North America to meet the growing needs of customers. Borealis worked diligently with state and local authorities in North Carolina to execute a brownfield investment with the possibility for further expansion that will benefit both the local economy and the automotive industry. In addition to compound manufacturing, the facility also features state-of-the-art, in-house testing and product development capabilities.

“Borealis has long been committed to the global automotive industry,” said Roland Janssen, managing director, Borealis North America. “Adding a compounding facility in North America helps drive our growth while also benefiting our customers through regional supply and product development capabilities.”

“The industry is further supported by an experienced commercial and technical team with representatives in both the southeast and the Detroit area,” added Janssen. “The team is ready to introduce Borealis solutions and support customers in their technical implementation of new vehicle programmes.”

Coming on stream on schedule early in the first quarter of 2019, Borealis has been supplying compounds from this new facility since February 2019. (PC)