Hexpol (Malmö / Sweden; www.hexpol.com) plans to increase thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounding capacity at its Swedish production facility in Åmål with an investment of some SEK 57m (EUR 5.6m). A new hall, specifically for the production of medical products, is currently being built, and a twin-screw production line and medically adapted support systems are also planned, according to the company.

“This project also lays the foundation for future development with optimised internal logistics and increased automation and robotics,” said Carsten Rüter, head of global compounding. The goal is to complete the project by autumn 2022, he added. A company spokesperson told Plasteurope.com that as a result of the current investment, total production capacity at all six TPE sites will increase to 80,000 t/y. However, no details about the output volumes in Åmål were provided.

The Swedish company specialises in TPE materials for sensitive and regulated applications such as medical devices, toys, consumer goods, automotive and food contact. The company recently strengthened its presence in Spain with the acquisitions of compounders Unión de Industrias (Corella; www.unicamezclas.com – see Plasteurope.com of 22.07.2021) – and Vicom 2002 (Barcelona; www.vicom2002.es – see Plasteurope.com of 08.03.2021).

In the first half of 2021, Hexpol announced sales of SEK 7.81 bn and an operating profit of SEK 1.43 bn. Compared to the same period last year, revenues climbed by 17%, while the operating profit doubled.