Spain – The company says its facility at Tarragona will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies for thermoplastics compounding, focusing on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and ABS blends. The investment will support Elix Polymers’ strategic objective to become a leading producer of high-quality, pre-coloured ABS resin and tailor-made materials for automotive and other industries.
The new equipment will consist of a twin-screw compounder, ZSK 92 Mc18 from Coperion, and an underwater palletising system, 7EAC from Gala Kunststoff. The line will come on stream in Q2 2016, increasing capacity beyond that of the existing line and providing Elix with the flexibility to deliver a wider range of bespoke solutions. It will also enhance operational efficiency and energy usage.
The investment is part of the company’s Excellence in Operations Programme, which will help it meet demand to be more flexible in the delivery of customised solutions and to shorten lead times.
In addition to facility investments, the last two years have seen Elix improving its operations by redefining procedures and processes according to lean management principles, resulting in more flexible production, reduced scrap rates and lower consumption of water and energy.