Loparex Group announces European investment

Loparex Group is investing significantly in its European operation for release liner production as part of an ongoing program of  investments to  enhance the group’s offering to the global release liner market.

The Apeldoorn production facility, The Netherlands, will undergo an extensive capacity and capability expansion – including installation of a new, high-speed silicone coating line, upgrades to existing silicone coating lines and the poly-coating extrusion line that will enhance the facility’s ability to deliver new-generation products for Loparex’ broadening customer base. The expansion – to be completed by the third quarter of this year – will complement Loparex’ existing manufacturing facilities in North America, China, India and Thailand.

Customers within traditional pressure-sensitive markets for release liners such as graphic arts, tapes and medical, as well as growing sectors such as photovoltaics, electronics and composites, will benefit from local service capability and technical support from every region of the globe.  

Theo Wilting, managing director of Loparex Europe said, ‘Today’s converting and end-use markets are demanding higher levels of performance, versatility, and efficiencies from release liners, and we want to continue to support our customers with the advanced products they need.  Every segment – whether it is pressure-sensitive graphic arts, specialty tapes, or medical disposables – has its own particular requirements, and new markets outside the traditional pressure-sensitive applications are developing fast. The expanded European facility will increase Loparex’ ability to provide the industry’s most versatile portfolio of release liners and films, along with product development and technical service to serve our European and global customer base.’

Wilting concluded, ‘We will be positioned to become a true one-stop shop for our customers – and more than ready to meet the needs of the growing global market.’

This is the fourth major investment in capacity expansion by the Loparex Group in recent years; The Kaygee-Loparex joint venture in India installed a new silicone coating line and slitters in 2009, the Group’s capacity at its Guangzhou, China, facility was increased with a new silicone coating line in early 2011 and in the third quarter of 2011, Loparex announced a new-build production plant in Thailand, which will be fully operational by the end of 2012.

Pictured: Theo Wilting, managing director, Loparex Europe

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