Röchling Group (Mannheim / Germany; www.roechling.de) has merged its US manufacturing operations for thermoplastic semi-finished products by Röchling Sustaplast, sheet extrusion by Röchling Engineered Plastics (REP) and its storage and administration functions at its new production site in Gastonia, South Carolina. USD 5.2m was invested in the new facility, which occupies an area of over 15,000 m².

REP USA manufactures thermoplastic semi-finished products, extruded and pressed sheet, profiles, rods, pipes and welding rods for industries including mining, chemicals, food and medical technology. Röchling Sustaplast specialises in high-performance and high-temperature plastics.

"The consolidation will enable us to implement a new sales and marketing concept that will significantly strengthen Röchling's position on the US plastics market," said Lewis Carter, a member of the Röchling management board and responsible for the company's operations in the US. A new marketing company, Röchling Engineering Plastics, will take over the marketing of the REP and Sustaplast products. Space has now been made at the old site for further expansion of hardboard capacity.

Despite the current economic and financial environment, the company views North America, and especially the US, as a viable future market. It expects lively demand in the region because of the investment required in the infrastructure sector. Röchling now has six production sites on the North American continent. In 2007, Röchling Group generated sales in the US of around EUR 125m.