TAYLORSVILLE, N.C.—Borealis A.G. has started up a compounding plant in Taylorsville.
The new facility will produce thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and short glass fibre (SGF) compounds witht eh capacity of 30,000 metric tons per year, the Vienna-based polymer maker said on April 3.
The firm said one of its customers, Skoda Auto, achieved weight-savings of 6.5 percent by using the new grade for lower dashboard, glove box and center console applications.
Scheduled for official inauguration on May 16, the plant has already supplied samples to potential customers, which include OEMs and Tier 1 companies in North America.
The company has already secured several projects "with leading North American and European OEMs," said Lucrece Foufopolous, EVP polyolefins and innovation & technology, Borealis.
Among the first products manufactured at the plant, were automotive materials approved and listed by customers such as Daimler and VW, Borealis said.
The materials company is producing its new low-density TPO compound Daplen EE058AI automotive applications at the plant.
The 10 percent talc-filled, elastomer-modified grade is designed for automotive interiors requiring low odour, emission and fogging levels.