Loparex to expand their European operations

The Loparex Group are investing in their European operation for release liner production. The Apeldoorn production facility in The Netherlands will be equipped with an extensive capacity and capability expansion by the third quarter of this year. The additional capacity and product capabilities in Europe will complement Loparex’ existing manufacturing facilities in North America, China, India and Thailand.

The expansion project includes the installation of a new state-of-the-art, high-speed silicone coating line, as well as upgrades to existing silicone coating lines and the poly-coating extrusion line that will enhance the facility’s ability to deliver new-generation products.

“Today’s converting and end-use markets are demanding higher levels of performance, versatility and efficiencies from release liners,” said Theo Wilting, managing director of Loparex Europe. “Every segment whether it is pressure-sensitive graphic arts, specialty tapes, or medical disposables has its own particular requirements, and new markets outside the traditional pressure-sensitive applications are developing fast.”

This is the fourth major investment in capacity expansion undertaken by the Loparex Group in recent years. The Kaygee-Loparex joint venture in India installed a new silicone coating line and slitters in 2009. The group’s capacity at its Guangzhou, China, facility was increased with a new silicone coating line in early 2011. In the third quarter of 2011, Loparex announced a new-build state-of-the-art production plant in Thailand, which will be fully operational by the end of 2012.