PolyOne has announced the opening of a new thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) production line it has described as the 'first of its kind' at its Pune facility in India, as well as a technology centre for new and existing R&D activities.
The company has described the line as the 'first of its kind' as it is designed to manufacture GLS TPEs to maintain high levels of material quality and at a local level.
The aim of making the materials locally is to reduce the lead time, meaning that healthcare products will be available to providers in a shorter time frame - and it will allow PolyOne's customers the ability to collaborate on custom formulations. Both the new TPE line and technology centre are staffed by dedicated and highly skilled associates.
Holger Kronimus, vice president, Europe, at PolyOne said: “We are committed to serving the needs of local and multinational manufacturers who operate here, and this recent expansion illustrates that commitment.”
PolyOne opened a new facility in Pune in 2014, initially focused on the production of colorant and additive concentrates to serve end markets such as transportation, electronics & electrical, healthcare, wire & cable, and packaging, and expanded manufacturing capability to include specialty engineered materials last year.
With the addition of TPE production, PolyOne enables manufacturers to source all of its specialty polymer requirements from a single domestic source.
Vikas Vij, managing director, India at PolyOne said: "We're now able to better serve our valued customers in India with domestic production of TPEs. In addition, our increased technology and sales personnel will help maximize the innovation, collaboration and service we provide to them."