New North American plant boosts production of innovative automotive compounds

The new Borealis polypropylene (PP) compounding plant in Taylorsville, North Carolina, has come on stream during Q1 2019, right on schedule. While the official inauguration will take place later this year in May, its successful start-up already signals the beginning of a new era for Borealis and Borouge in North America: an additional 30 kt has now been added to global PP compounding capacity. Supply capability for thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and short glass fibre (SGF) compounds has also been significantly strengthened. The new plant augments the existing Borealis and Borouge network of compounding plants in Europe, China, and Brazil.

Located in the booming southeastern region of the US, the site has been designed to fulfil the growing needs of Automotive OEMs and Tier 1 customers for advanced PP solutions. The 50,000 square foot (4,645 m²) facility, equipped with rail siding, offers potential for expansion in line with projected mid-term increases in customer demand.

Local product development capability is in place at Taylorsville to create new PP compound solutions and to localise established products to ensure seamless global supply to Tiers and OEMs. The lab, located in the Taylorsville plant, is equipped with a pilot line and associated testing equipment.

To ensure fast and efficient local service, Borealis has also secured an experienced commercial and technical team with representatives in both the Detroit area and the southeast. The team is ready to introduce Borealis solutions and support customers in their technical implementation in new vehicle programs. You can get in touch with them via our Contact Us link.

Following initial shipments of samples in February, several projects with leading North American and European OEM customers have already been secured. Interior and exterior materials approved and listed by major automotive customers, including Daimler and the Volkswagen Group, are among the first products to be manufactured at the Taylorsville plant.