British Vita, Inoac PU foam venture in China opens

MIDDLETON, England (Jan. 14)—Shanghai Vita Inoac Polymer Products Co. Ltd., a joint venture between British Vita P.L.C. and Japan's Inoac Corp., has opened a $9.5 million polyurethane foam processing factory in Shanghai, China. The plant includes a loop-slitter, flame-lamination unit and foam production facilities capable of manufacturing 200-foot blocks, according to a Vita statement. The site also houses a reticulation unit making products for Ni-Cd batteries and ink-jet printer cartridges. Established in late 1997, Shanghai Vita Inoac is owned 40 percent each by Vita and Inoac, with the rest held by a local partner.