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Automotive Design


that they contain is toluene, an ingredient of the paint formulation. However, this emission can be eliminated by using new, water-based paint systems. These VOC- optimised PVC trim materials are already available from Benecke-Kaliko and they represent a solution to the challenges arising from the new Asian requirements. When monitoring air quality, particular attention


must be paid to the limit values for the VOCs, which are the substances in gaseous and vapour form that occur in solvents and synthetically manufactured substances among others and can sometimes cause health impairments. The current GB/T27630-2011 regulation in China focuses at present on eight VOC substances.


a cost of almost €40 million for the first phase of the expansion, this is the largest investment in the company’s history. “This shows the major importance of the Chinese market, but also the good relations between Benecke-Kaliko and our partners in trade and industry,” says chairman of the executive board, Dr Dirk Leiss. Production is scheduled to start in late 2015. Up


to 250 employees are then to manufacture Acella Eco surface material on 24,000m2


of shop floor space.


The material, which is environmentally compatible, low in emissions and non-allergenic, is destined for the Chinese automotive industry. The first orders have already been received. “The new plant is Benecke-Kaliko’s response to


the continued demand for our products and solutions. Our second plant in China will make a substantial contribution to our continued success in penetrating global markets,” declares Leiss. There is strong growth in demand from automakers in China in particular for high-quality and, at the same time, environmentally compatible materials for automotive interiors. By using such materials, automakers are meeting the wishes of car buyers, but also the Chinese government’s aim of increasing the air quality in automotive interiors. If demand continues to grow, therefore, a second expansion phase at the Changzhou plant will be possible, enabling production capacity there to be doubled.


European expansion


Low-emission and low-odour, the Acella Eco green surface material ensures good interior air quality in vehicles.


Benecke-Kaliko has been developing low-odour and low-emission products for decades and has vast experience in measuring pollutants in vehicles. It is now making this know-how available to the Chinese market via its Chinese joint venture, Benecke-Changshun Auto Trim. The company laid the foundation stone for its second plant in China (in Changzhou) in 2014. With


The Benecke-Kaliko Group is also expanding production of foils for car interiors in Southern and Eastern Europe. The company acquired two sites from the Belgian Mecaseat Group, which also owns French decorative foil producer Griffine Enduction. Mecaseat’s Spanish company Gorvi in Pamplona and Polish company Mecapol in Wagrowiec became 100% members of the Benecke-Kaliko Group. Together the two locations employ a total of 150 people. “We didn’t just want to buy the business, but also manufacturing capacities,” says Leiss. “The new plants are an integral part of our strategic alignment. By gaining access to the Southern European market we have sent out a clear signal of further growth to French and Spanish car manufacturers. Furthermore, we will be able to offer our customers an additional price segment in the future for which there is a demand particularly for models in the booming compact car sector," he concludes. l


For more information ✔ at www.engineerlive.com/ede


Dr Alexander Jockisch is with Benecke-Kaliko in Germany. www.benecke-kaliko.com


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