Long-term cooperation with automotive manufacturer results in regional premiere
Borealis and Borouge's portfolio of global automotive material grades also includes Daplen EE158AIB, a 13% mineral-filled thermoplastic olefin (TPO) compound. This grade had already been adopted by Volkswagen as the ideal material solution for the European production of door panels in its new Up! model, and has now been chosen for Up! production in Brazil as well. This is the first time Volkswagen has selected a PE/PP TD13 material for its South American production operations. The grade helps the manufacturer achieve its lightweighting targets whilst providing excellent mechanical performance, high UV and scratch resistance, low emission and fogging, and superior aesthetics. Borealis and Borouge material solutions are also being implemented in the Up! model's dashboard, centre console, pillar and sill panels.Focus on South America: Borealis increases asset footprint in Brazil
The South American operations of global automotive manufacturers and OEMs are being even better served thanks to increased Borealis activity in the region, principally through the expansion of the plant in Itatiba, near Sao Paulo, Brazil. This EUR 45 million project involves the construction of an additional production building, two state-of-the-art PP compounding extruders, blending and raw material silos, warehouse facilities and a bagging line. In addition, extensive upgrading of utility and water systems is being carried out. With nearly 80% of the construction project concluded, the commissioning and start-up plan has already commenced. The improved plant is scheduled to go 100% on stream during the fourth quarter of 2014 and its output will significantly augment current annual production in Brazil of high-performance, high-quality PP compounds. Consequently, Borealis will be able to better serve growing regional market demand and pursue new opportunities in pioneering applications in the automotive industry and beyond."Our Itatiba expansion is a clear indication of Borealis' commitment to becoming the leading supplier to the South American automotive industry," explains Jost Eric Laumeyer, Borealis Global Marketing Manager Engineering Applications. "As we grow our asset footprint in South America, our expansion efforts will help solidify our current partnerships whilst at the same time enabling us to seek out additional opportunities in cooperation with new global partners."
