Teknor Apex to build “innovation hub” in Germany

In a move to expand its production capacity in Europe, customer compounder Teknor Apex Company has announced plans to build a 15,000-square-meter production facility in Germany that will also house a new European centre for plastics research and development.

The plant, to be located in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, will increase the manufacturing capacity of custom compounder Plastic-Technologie-Service (PTS), which Pawtucket, R.I.-based Teknor Apex acquired last year.

“The new Rothenburg facility will increase the capacity of PTS/Teknor Apex to serve customers in Germany and throughout Europe, broaden the selection of compounds available to them, increase access to customer support, and reduce order lead times,” William Murray, president of Teknor Apex, said in a statement. “The new laboratory will function as a hub of innovation, serving the region as a source of customized formulations, application development expertise, and process optimization.”

Groundbreaking for the facility will take place by spring of 2018 and startup is expected by the summer of 2019. The PTS/Teknor Apex production activity now located at nearby Steinsfeld will be relocated to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, as will the sales and marketing operation currently in Tauberzell.

The Rothenburg facility will produce thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and engineering thermoplastics (ETPs), ranging from general-purpose compounds to highly specialized formulations. “An extensive laboratory will be used for developing new compounds and providing customers with design support, application development, and product/process training,” the statement also said.

Founded in 1924, Teknor Apex produces flexible and rigid vinyl, thermoplastic elastomers, nylons, colour masterbatches, specialty chemicals, and hoses. The company operates 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide in the U.S., Belgium, Germany, China, and Singapore.