GE Bayer Silicones to add LSR capacity in Germany

Leverkusen, Germany -- GE Bayer Silicones plans to invest in additional production capacity for liquid silicone rubber at its facility in Leverkusen, Germany to help meet expanding European and global demand, the company announced Sept. 30.

GE is expanding the Leverkusen plant to help meet customer demand, said Darrell Hughes, the firm's global business manager for elastomers. The new equipment will produce standard grades as well as customer-specific LSR materials, and the new investment will support GE's continuous growth and confirms its long-term commitment to this product line, he said.

"GE's technology for liquid injection moulding of silicone elastomers offers customers significant productivity advantages and new design opportunities," Hughes said. "With our innovative LSR technology, we are a global leader in this growing product segment."

Last year GE brought its LSR production facility in Thailand on line to support growth in Asia. With Thailand, the company has the capability to supply locally from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Hughes said.

In Europe, GE increased its LSR capacity by more than 10 percent during the last year by applying LEAN and Six Sigma methodologies, he said.

Liquid silicone rubber is used to produce high-performance molded articles for various industries and applications. Examples are seals and connectors for the automotive industry, baby nipples and pacifiers for the infant care industry, components and seals for the healthcare industry, or insulators and cable accessories for the high voltage industry.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)