HUECKELHOVEN, Germany—Lord Corp. plans to expand operations at its facility in Hueckelhoven in response to what it sees as a fast-growing electric vehicle market.
The firm will invest about $15.8 million to build a 35,000-sq.-ft. addition adjacent to the current facility. The project will create more than 20 jobs and is expected to be operating by mid-2020. Lord currently employs 70 at the site, which has been in operation since 1987.
Construction began in March and was commemorated with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 14.
"We have a strong focus on the electric vehicle market and the trend toward electrification," CEO and President Ed Auslander said in a statement. "Currently Lord solutions are on nearly every vehicle in the world. This strategic investment in our Hueckelhoven facility will further grow our presence in the EV market while supporting OEMs and enabling them to meet launch timelines."
Lord said the space will be used to add production for gap fillers, potting and encapsulants, and thermal adhesives sold under its CoolTherm brand. The products fall under Lord's Thermal Management business and are formulated to help reduce heat build-up in electronic components. According to the company's website, CoolTherm products can be customized for epoxies, silicones, urethanes and acrylics, depending on performance needs and cost targets.