Victrex celebrates opening of new $25 million APTIV film plant

 

Thornton Cleveleys, U.K. – A new manufacturing facility for high performance thermoplastic films was officially opened by U.K. Chancellor George Osborne. Victrex, a provider of high performance polymer solutions, has invested $25 million (£16 million) to increase its capacity to supply APTIV film, a success story for the company, with good growth in recent years. 

 

Across key industries like aerospace, automotive, or electronics, the demand for the versatile, extremely thin and durable thermoplastic film is continuously rising. Victrex made the strategic investment in the new facility, including a second film production line, to meet future growth. This is also driven by trends in portable consumer electronics to improve sound quality, clarity and performance, with enhanced user functionality in thinner, lighter, and smaller products. Already, the thin, tough, and flexible film is used in millions of smartphones´ speaker diaphragms, but also in aerospace applications, and in electrical drive and generator systems in the automotive and energy sector. 

 

“Victrex is a growing U.K. export champion and we were delighted to welcome the chancellor to unveil our new polymer film plant, which has helped create high quality U.K. jobs. While 97% of our sales are from outside the U.K., we have a strong track record of investing and creating jobs here and, being at the forefront of U.K. science and innovation, we have stressed the importance of promoting science and engineering skills in the future,” said Tim Cooper, managing director of Victrex Polymer Solutions.

 

Victrex is also investing $141 million (£90 million) in its third PEEK manufacturing plant at its facility in Thornton Cleveleys, U.K. The plant will begin operation in early 2015.