Treofan, Winston-Salem, N.C., invested $45 million in a new biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP) line at its Zacapu, Mexico, plant. The new asset, due to begin operation in the fourth quarter of 2018, will result in a net capacity increase of some 30,000 tons per year, or 50% of the plant’s current capacity. Brückner Group, Switzerland, will mothball the existing small line that’s been in place since 1992, and transform into a new 5-layer, 10.4m orientation line.

“The additional asset represents the next phase of the group’s reinvestment strategy, which was initiated in 2014 at our facility in Neunkirchen, Germany,” says Jon Knight, chief executive officer. “The advanced capacity and capabilities will enable us to continue to grow with our valued customers in our key markets.”

“We have been working in close cooperation with Brückner to design a line capable of producing our current and future specialty BOPP film products at more than 10 meters wide and at speeds of up to 600 meters per minute building on the experience gained with the 8.2m 5-layer Brückner line, which has now been running for almost 10 years,” adds Allan Crighton, chief operating officer.