SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—In a move expected to expand global resole capacity, SI Group Inc. said Aug. 6 that it will invest in chemical production sites in the U.S. and India.
The amount of the investments, expected to increase SI Group's resole capacity by 25 percent, was not disclosed.
The expansions in Lote, India, and Rotterdam Junction, N.Y., follow earlier decisions by SI Group to expand resin capacity in Lote; Bethune, France; and Nanjing, China.
"These investments are a result of our focused efforts on growth and responding to our customers' needs," said Robert Kaiser, vice president, Rubber and Adhesives Solutions at SI Group. "They will help provide superior solutions at the highest reliability of supply for our global customer base."
The expansions will focus on the automotive and adhesive supply chain, according to SI Group, and are intended to reduce global bottlenecking for resole capacity, a function of high demand for the additive. The expansions are slated for completion later this year.
"The goal of this capacity expansion of more than 25 percent is to propel the sites to become two of the world's leading resole production and technology locations," SI Group said in a press release.
Resole resins serve to increase heat resistance and durability in rubber products, specifically in adhesion, open time and weatherability.
SI Group also boasts a large portfolio of tackifiers, antidegradants and reinforcing resins, among other products.
The company has 2,800 employees across 24 sites on five continents.