Sumitomo Chemical Co. has set up its new Zhuhai Sumika Polymer Compounds Co., Ltd. Wuxi branch, as a new production facility for polypropylene (PP) compounds, to enhance its automotive materials business in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. Wuxi Plant is located on the premise of Sumika Electronic Materials (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., which is under the control of IT-related Chemicals. Along with a production facility already set up in Changdu City, the Wuxi Plant is due to be in operation at the beginning of 2021.

 

PP compounds are high-performance materials made by kneading PP with elastomer, glass fibers, and inorganic fillers to improve such properties as impact resistance and rigidity, for use in automobile bumpers, interiors, and home appliances. China is the world’s largest market for automobiles. Prompted by tightening environmental regulations in recent years and an increasing need for products that can improve safety, there is a growing demand for PP compounds each year for automobile interiors and exteriors.

 

Against this backdrop, in October 2016, Sumitomo Chemical established a new production and sales facility in Chengdu. Sichuan province, a central city of the Western region of China. Now, this facility is manufacturing trial products for evaluation by customers. Following the facility in Chengdu, Sumitomo Chemical established the Wuxi Plant as a production facility in the rapidly growing Huazhong region of China. Setting up the Wuxi Plant as its fifth production facility in China, Sumitomo aims to further increase its presence through a widespread supply chain for Chinese automobile manufacturers and home appliance makers in the region.