Masterbatch capacity will increase by around 1,000tpa

Masterbatch capacity will increase by around 1,000tpa

Clariant UK has started production from two new extruders as part of an investment programme at its Wigan masterbatch plant. Colour masterbatch production capacity will increase by approximately 1,000tpa from the new lines.

Around Ј500,000 (E750,000) has been spent at the plant in a project to improve flexibility and focus on value-added production, said UK sales manager Colm Harrington. The new equipment also improves consistency in the masterbatch size and reduces scrap rates.

The company has replaced old single screw extruders with two 50mm Maris twin-screw extruders. The extruders have computerised controls and are fed by Brabender Flexwall feeders. Clariant also purchased two new Gala systems: an underwater face cutting system outputting 24 strands material, along with a pneumatic blade adjustment and grinding system.