Production capacity at the plant in Emmen, The Netherlands, will be boosted by one-quarter

Production capacity at the plant in Emmen, The Netherlands, will be boosted by one-quarter

DSM Engineering Plastics is to raise production capacity for its Arnitel copolyester thermoplastic elastomer by one-quarter. DSM said the increase at the plant in Emmen, The Netherlands, comes in response to strong demand. It is the unit’s second expansion in the past five years and will be completed by mid-2004.

Global business manager Philippe Rey said: “Right now we have sufficient production capacity. We are investing in additional production to ensure continued availability for the foreseeable future.” Arnitel is an ether ester block copolymer. It includes both polyether-ester formulations and U grades, based on unique polyester-ester technology that extends the temperature range.

DSM indicated it had received the go-ahead for the expansion last autumn when it highlighted applications such as automotive airbags, which are driving demand. The company did not disclose the actual capacity or investment at Emmen.