A. Schulman adds 5 million lb of capacity in Mexico

(Akron, OH) has expanded capacity for specialty engineered nylons, polyesters, and high-performance alloys at its San Luis Potosi, Mexico facility. The additional annual capacity of 5 million lb will target specific niche customers in Mexico, Latin America, and North America. Jennifer Beeman, director of corporate communications and investor relations at A. Schulman, told PlasticsToday the investment entailed the addition of new manufacturing line, including compounding extruder, and was not a debottlenecking of existing equipment.

Expected to be online in the company’s fiscal second quarter of 2010, the new capacity is at A. Schulman subsidiary, A. Schulman de Mexico. Located in San Luis Potosi, that company claims to be the number-one manufacturer of masterbatch concentrates for the packaging industry in Mexico, with sales offices in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City. Beeman said the new line will focus on glass-filled nylon and polyester compounds, targeting durable goods in markets like automotive, toys, and appliances, among others.

According to the company’s 10-K statement, in fiscal 2008, the San Luis Potosi operation had a total annual production capacity of 83 million lb. Beeman said the new line could mean the addition of up to 12 new employees. A. Schulman has 16 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. In March, the company announced the startup of a new manufacturing plant in Akron, OH that expanded production capacity for its North American Polybatch high-performance additive line, which targets the film and packaging markets. —Tony Deligio