DSM to expand Dutch TPE plant

By Patrick Raleigh, ERJ On-line news editor

Sittard, The Netherlands-DSM Engineering Plastics, part of DSM NV, plans to increase the capacity of its thermoplastic elastomer facility in Emmen, by 25 percent. The Dutch plant produces Arnitel-branded TPEs, which are based on polyether-polyester block copolymers.

The expansion is due on-stream by mid-2004 and is the second such increase in Arnitel production in the last five years, said a 12 Jan company statement. The latest project is in response to new demand for the TPE in Europe, as well as increasing penetration in US and Asia Pacific markets, it added.

“Right now, we have sufficient production capacity-we are investing in additional production to ensure continued availability in the foreseeable future,” said Philippe Rey, DSM's global business manager for Arnitel, in a press statement.

Arnitel is used in applications such as automotive airbag covers, constant-velocity axle joint boots, energy absorption units and films for medical applications.