Loparex to build release liner manufacturing plant in Thailand

Loparex Group has announced plans to build a 35,400 square meter (380,000 sq ft) greenfield facility for the production of siliconized paper and polymer films (release liners) on the recently purchased 5.7 hectare property at the Hemaraj‐Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate (HESIE) of Thailand.

Jan Hilbrink, the current managing director for Europe, will lead the construction and start-up of the new plant. The new plant in Thailand is scheduled to begin production by the end of 2012 and will feature solvent and solvent‐free products, poly‐coated liners, as well as printing and slitting capability.

‘Much of Loparex’s success has been based on our strong commitment to our customers,’ said Michael Apperson, CEO of the Loparex Group. ‘Our customers demand world‐class product development and a diverse portfolio of products to meet their unique application needs. This major investment not only reinforces our already strong position in the Asian market, but will also meet the demands of our customers who are planning for accelerated growth in the fast growing ASEAN region.’

In 2011 Loparex doubled capacity at its Guangzhou, China plant. In 2009 an investment in Loparex’s Silvassa, India, facility tripled that plant’s output. (Kaygee‐Loparex India Pvt. Ltd is a 50/50 joint venture between Loparex and the Godha family). ‘The new facility in Thailand will truly complement the facilities we have in Guangzhou and Silvassa with additional technical capabilities and of course, enhanced service potential not only for the ASEAN region, but also for our customers throughout all of Asia and the Middle East,’ said Andie Ho, managing director of Loparex, Asia Pacific.

‘The Thailand facility will serve as an additional service hub for Loparex to expand our sales and technical service resources to our customer base, in addition to offering an expanded product portfolio,’ said Tapani Laakso, sales and marketing director for Loparex, Asia Pacific.

The new plant will be designed with lean manufacturing principles and have the ability for rapid and substantial expansion to meet future market demands. Jack Taylor, Loparex Americas COO, said: ‘We have the unique opportunity to employ the best practices of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma from our operations in the US, Europe, China and India to create a truly world‐class, flexible and efficient plant from the ground up.’

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