Asahi Kasei Plastics North America (Fowlerville, Michigan / USA; www.asahikaseiplastics.com) is adding a new production line at its Fowlerville compounding plant and is planning a further expansion for 2012. The company said it is installing a new line for its “Leona” PA 6.6 and PA 6.6+6I and “Xyron” modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) engineering plastics, which will raise production by 30%.

In addition, the company is adding a line in its laboratory for R&D work, new product development and improved customer support. It estimates the total cost of the expansion and laboratory equipment at USD 5.5m (EUR 3.9m).

Prasad Puttagunta, vice president for operations at Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, said the project, which follows a USD 3m investment in 2010, will support rising demand for new products. "We are not, like many companies, just recovering – we have recovered and are increasing our presence in numerous markets," he said. "The growth we've seen in our new products market is supporting this investment and our next capacity increase is scheduled for 2012."