Sumitomo to expand TPE production in China
Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. is strengthening its automotive materials business in China by building manufacturing capabilities for thermoplastic elastomers at its existing facility in Dalian.
The company made the announcement May 23, but did not give further details on the capacity of the new plant.
The TPE unit will be part of Sumitomo subsidiary Sumika Polymer Compounds Dalian, which was set up in 2011. Sumitomo's TPEs are offered under the brand name Espolex globally.
The materials supplier said the primary applications for its TPEs would include automotive materials, such as airbag covers and body seals.
"People's rising awareness of auto safety has been accompanied by an increasing number of vehicles equipped with air bags, including those made of TPE," Sumitomo said in a statement.
The company already offers TPEs and synthetic rubber into the Chinese market through its subsidiary Sumika Plastics & Chemicals Trading (Shanghai).
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