A new manufacturing facility for high performance thermoplastic films was officially opened last week by UK Chancellor George Osborne. Victrex, a world leader in 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 today, 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 UK export champion and we were delighted to welcome the Chancellor to unveil our new polymer film plant, which has helped create high quality UK jobs. While 97% of our sales are from outside the UK, we have a strong track record of investing and creating jobs here and, being at the forefront of UK 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, UK. The plant will begin operation in early 2015. For further information about VICTREX PEEK polymer, please visit www.victrex.com