MACHINERY | ALTERNATIVE COMPOUNDERS
Polycompound opens new production plant
Switzerland-based specialty toll compounder Polycompound has long been committed to kneader extruder technology. This year the company opened a new facility at its Sissach location that it says prepares it for changing future market demands. Construction of the production
centre — which also includes addition- al warehousing and office space — commenced two years ago. Some office-based functions moved in at the beginning of this year, with the new production and storage areas now starting operation. The investment includes a new
Ko-Kneter CK-100 system from Swiss kneader extruder maker X-Com- pound, part of Germany’s Troester Group. The 100mm diameter machine joins the company’s six other Ko- Kneter machines ranging from 45mm to 200mm diameter and expands its capacity by around 2,000 tonnes/year. The new line has been specially configured to handle temperature and shear sensitive materials. “This investment places the com- pany in the perfect position to meet the market’s increasing requirements. The considerable financial expense reflects Polycompound’s efforts to be an industry leader,” says Polycom- pound CEO Thomas Manetsch. The existing Polycompound development centre has also been
Right: Specialty toll compounder Polycom- pound’s new production plant at Sissach in Switzerland
Below: Polycompound has extended its kneader extruder inventory with the installation of a seventh machine
automotive, pipe, electrical and medical with compounds including challenging conductive, flame retard- ant, and heavily-filled formulations. “Polycompound goes beyond
relocated to the new building and a spacious area set up alongside it where its customers can work undis- turbed during both short-term and long-term visits. Polycompound offers a toll com- pound development and manufactur- ing service and reports growing demand for application-oriented, custom formulated high-performance materials. Its kneader-based produc- tion plant targets markets as diverse as
in Lauffen, Germany, where development is continuously ongoing, especially in sustainability and recycling. We have also developed a reaction process technology with two well-known industry leaders. In addition, we are enhancing process automation, controlled process loops and auto- matic process optimisation, and how that may be tied into our Industry 4.0 initiative.” According to Farrel Pomini, the developer of continuous mixing equipment, the general plastics market is experiencing fluctuations and challenges due to global economic conditions including the slowdown in the European Union, China’s econom- ic deceleration and recession concerns in the US. It says global polymer demand is increasing at a
62 COMPOUNDING WORLD | October 2023
standard solutions and customises its compounding systems to the custom- er’s needs. This tailor-made approach has not only contributed to customer loyalty, but also strengthened the company’s competitive position,” says Head of Sales Peter Imhof. The new building has been planned to meet the company’s forecast future growth as well as its sustainability goals. It includes a powerful rooftop photovoltaic system with an area of 1,030m², a new refrigeration plant with free cooling, and a building heating system with 100% heat recovery. �
www.polycompound.ch �
www.x-compound.ch
conservative 2.5% CAGR through 2025 and there has been a decrease in virgin and recycled polymer prices. However, it reports that its traditional markets are active. “These include black and white masterbatches, as well as rigid and flexible PVC, flooring com- pounds and flame retardants. We are seeing regional differences, but since we operate globally, the growth areas are offsetting others so overall, our outlook is positive,” says Paul Lloyd, President and Business Unit Director. “When considering ‘newer’ applications, such as biopolymers and other sustainable options, it feels like opportunities increase almost daily. It is a very exciting time to be in the plastics industry. Our
www.compoundingworld.com IMAGES: POLYCOMPOUND/MARC GILGEN
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