Automotive

China-headquartered Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) and Prisma Renewable Composites say that the companies have entered into an agreement giving YFAI exclusive use of Prisma’s lignin-based material in the development of automotive interiors. Yan Feng/Prisma collaborate on plant-based lignin for vehicle interiors Prisma’s BioLAN material is produced using lignin, a natural…

Mitsui Chemicals has decided to expand its production facilities at Grand Siam Composites Co in Thailand to meet growing global demand for polypropylene (PP) compounds. The plant in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate will produce 13,000 tonnes/year by 2020. It is owned by Mitsui Chemicals: 45.2%, SCG Chemicals: 46.2%; Prime…

China has successfully transformed itself as a producer of run of the mill products to a global factory manufacturer of competitively priced quality products. That said, being cheap no longer sells as consumers are becoming increasingly quality-aware of the products that they use. TPE maker KRAIBURG TPE says it is…

Japan’s Teijin Limited says that its Sereebo carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) has been selected by General Motors (GM) for use in select pickup box applications. This, the firm says, is the world’s first use of CFRTP for structural parts in a high-volume production vehicle. Sereebo will be used to manufacture…

Chemical firm Trinseo says that it is evaluating “strategic alternatives” for its polycarbonate (PC) resin activities but it has not set a timeline for this evaluation process. It adds that it is analysing options for its PC production facility in Stade, Germany. It says that it is fully committed to continue serving…

Thailand is focusing on strengthening its industries with high potentials, as it secures its position among Asia’s strong economic contenders, says Angelica Buan in this report. Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second largest economy, has made great strides over the years, progressing from a low income to an upper income economy. The…

Current developments in the automotive industry are being made possible with new engineering plastics materials that meet durability, lightweight and cost efficient requirements, says Angelica Buan in this report. The diamond stone, believed to be the hardest material on earth, has been revered for centuries for its “indestructible” properties. Times…

US-based motion and control technologies specialist Parker Hannifin Corporation is to acquire adhesives supplier Lord Corporation for approximately US$3.6 billion in cash. The transaction has been approved by the Board of Directors of each company and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. Upon closing…

In line with its focus on the Chinese market, German automotive parts supplier Hella has signed further cooperation agreements at the recent Auto Shanghai motor show in China. “China is and remains one of the key automotive markets for Hella,” said its CEO Dr. Rolf Breidenbach. “Above all, China has…

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) says that it has completed its acquisition of the PVC compound business of Welset Plast Extrusions Private Limited in India and plans to construct a new facility to manufacture thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for automotive interior components and other products at MCPP India. Production is scheduled to…