Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (MPM) has recently announced investments to support its Niax polyurethane additives product line, adding manufacturing capacity, technology resources, and personnel to several sites across the globe. In addition, MPM announced it has moved its polyurethane additives headquarters to Pudong Shanghai.
The new headquarters is an integrated site that includes the business unit’s sales, marketing, and technology for China. Other similar sites are located around the world and collectively form the Urethane Additives (UA) global business unit. Further, the company continues to increase manufacturing capacity and expand the types of urethane additives manufactured at Nantong, all of which facilitates greater speed and supply to customers, specifically those in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
The company has also expanded the manufacturing facility in Leverkusen, Germany. The investment for the polyurethane additives product line increases manufacturing capacity and improves capabilities of both intermediates and finished goods.
Early in 2013, the company opened a new application development center (ADC) in Termoli, Italy, which can provide flexible slabstock and slabstock additive solutions to customers’ advanced technical issues. The company has also expanded its product range in Chennai, India, mainly focusing on flexible slabstock and rigid foam production, again adding expanding capabilities to another corner of the world and the global network.
In Itatiba, Brazil, the company has added manufacturing capabilities that specifically support the growing automotive industry. With the ability to manufacture a wider array of products and a deeper mix of intermediates, the expansion at Itatiba allows for more local manufacturing, as well as a shorter supply chain, and improved service levels globally, says MPM.
“Investments continue to be made in almost every part of the world, allowing the company to have an integrated global network to aid in capacity, speed and service, as well as build close relationships with local customers to serve their specific needs,” said Tony Lanchak, Vice President of the UA division at MPM.