Kaneka to increase production capacities for Kaneka MS Polymer in Westerlo, Belgium

Kaneka Corporation (Osaka, Japan), has announced it is to significantly increases its production capacities of modified silicone polymers (product name: Kaneka MS Polymer) in Europe at its Kaneka Belgium plant, located in Westerlo. Kaneka MS Polymer is a base resin for high-quality sealants, adhesives and coatings.

The production expansion of Kaneka Belgium NV for MS polymers will involve an investment of about €34M. The project includes the construction of a new production line and a loading dock system alongside the canal adjacent to the plant, optimising the supply chain of the main raw material. Full operation of the new production facility is scheduled for end 2018. With this new investment in Europe, aligned with previous investments in USA, Malaysia and Japan, Kaneka will further strengthen its global supply structure.

Thanks to its innovative portfolio and excellent properties, Kaneka MS Polymer is used in a broad variety of markets, such as construction, industry, transportation, flooring, waterproofing, DIY and many others. Moreover, the ecologically sound character of the product is highly valued on international markets. Kaneka’s MS Polymers do not contain isocyanates nor solvents and as such, fully comply with the regulatory VOC emission standards.

"Over the next few years we expect that Kaneka MS Polymer will continue to penetrate new markets and as such its demand will grow faster, both in Europe and worldwide. By expanding the production capacities we respond to this increase in demand and strengthen our global supply position as a top manufacturer,” explained Olivier Renson, General Manager of Performance Polymers Solutions Vehicle EMEA. "We are committed to offering our customers innovative products that enable them to develop sustainable solutions,” underlined Renson.