Reichhold opens plant in Tianjin, China

Reichhold launched its manufacturing facility in Tianjin in northern China in December 2011. With 20 manufacturing sites and five technology centres across the globe, Reichhold has further strengthened its presence in the global market with its entry into this large and rapidly growing market.

The facility is set up with a planned production capacity of 38,000Mt/yr but with a potential expansion to 60,000Mt. The plant will produce a full Reichhold composites product line, including unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, gelcoats and bonding pastes.

The market applications will cover wind power, high performance anti-corrosion, marine, high-speed train, industrial construction, electronics and electrical industry.

John Gaither, chairman, president and CEO, Reichhold Industries, commented: "The market in China is very important to Reichhold. It is the largest composites market in the world and is growing rapidly. Many of our global customers have a Chinese presence and need from Reichhold the same products available in China as elsewhere in the world. China is deeply committed to wind energy and, as the leading supplier of polyester resins for wind mill blades, Reichhold needs to be able to supply locally our innovative resins.”

Guenther Tappeiner, global vice-president manufacturing, said: ”The project was completed on time and within budget. The technical features implemented throughout the project are world class in safety, quality and efficiency. I’m very confident that, with this operation, Reichhold will be a true leader in servicing the market in China.”

Founded in 1927, Reichhold, with its headquarters in North Carolina, USA, is the world’s largest manufacturer of unsaturated polyester resins and a leading supplier of coating resins for the industrial, transportation, building and construction, marine, consumer and graphic arts markets.