Covestro has stepped up its polyester resin production capacity in Europe with the inauguration of a new production line at its Meppen site in Germany, marking a significant multi-million-euro investment aimed at meeting growing demand for high-performance resins.
The new line adds an additional reactor with capacity in the double-digit kiloton range, strengthening Covestro's ability to supply customers across the European coatings, packaging and industrial markets.
The expansion comes as coatings manufacturers face mounting pressure to reformulate products to comply with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, while packaging and industrial customers seek consistent quality, dependable supply and more streamlined supply chains.
Built on Meppen's established GMP-compliant manufacturing infrastructure, the new reactor is designed to handle a broad range of chemical formulations. This includes high-molecular-weight and standard polyester grades, alkyds and acrylic resins, as well as intermediates for polyurethane dispersions.
The products serve a wide range of applications, including can, coil and industrial coatings, as well as adhesives. They are marketed under Covestro's Uralac, Uradil, Hybrane and NeoRez brands.
Beyond capacity expansion, Covestro is also overhauling its manufacturing infrastructure. The investment includes a new truck-filling system, a fully automated drum-filling line and a heat-recovery installation designed to improve energy efficiency by capturing and reusing process heat.
The expansion is also creating employment opportunities at the site, with additional positions in production, filling and shipping currently being filled to support rising demand.
Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of the Coatings & Adhesives business entity at Covestro, said: “Customers rely on reliable supply and consistent quality. The new line in Meppen increases the availability of polyester resins and strengthens supply from Europe. The expansion also gives customers added flexibility to grow in demanding applications, where consistent product quality is essential and regulatory requirements are complex.”
Site Manager André Rittermeier added: "Meppen is a site with deep expertise and a proven track record. With the new line and the upgraded facilities, we are not just adding capacity, we are reinforcing the foundation that our customers rely on."
The investment reinforces Meppen's position as a strategic production hub for Covestro's polyester specialties business in Europe, strengthening its long-term commitment to customers seeking reliable regional manufacturing and supply.
Covestro acquired the Meppen plant in 2021 as part of its purchase of the Resins & Functional Materials business from Dutch chemical company Royal DSM. However, the site's industrial legacy stretches back much further, with production operations dating to 1956.
Today, more than 100 employees, including apprentices, work at the facility, manufacturing polyesters, alkyds, acrylates and polyurethane dispersions for customers in the paints, coatings and packaging industries.
