Chem-Trend expanding Germany production site

Photo by Chem-Trend LP The expanded Chem-Trend LP site in Maisach, Germany, is expected to open in late 2017

Chemical moulding release agent producer Chem-Trend LP is expanding its Maisach, Germany, operation for better integration with sister companies.

Chem-Trend, based in Howell, Michigan, US, said 29 June that it and its parent company, Freudenberg Chemical Specialities SE, recently broke ground for the project, due for completion in late 2017. Chem-Trend makes release agents, process aids, purging compounds and other ancillary moulding products.

The expansion includes a new logistics center, laboratory and testing facilities, storage space and office area for Chem-Trend and OKS Specialty Lubricants and Klüber Lubrication Munich.

“This represents a significant investment in our infrastructure and a continued commitment to delivering innovative technology and unparalleled service to our customers in European markets,” Chem-Trend President and CEO Devanir Moraes said in a news release.

About 200,000 square feet of new space will be dedicated to the logistics centre, a small container filling operation and administrative functions. Investment in the complex located near Munich will total about $45m (€40.5m).

Chem-Trend has invested in several expansions of offshore operations since 2014. In China it added a new research and development center. In Brazil it built a new production and laboratory complex. In India it expanded its production area and technical center.

Munich-based Freudenberg’s subsidiaries OKS and Klüber make specialty lubricants for industrial maintenance and manufacturing plants. Freudenberg CEO Hanno Wentzler said the Maisach project should eliminate bottlenecks in the Munich region.