JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #44 - October 2008 - Special Asia - 44

SPECIAL >> Menzolit opens new facility in China Menzolit, a supplier of sheet molding and bulk molding compounds, with operations in four European countries and partners in South America and South Korea, has decided to build a manufacturing plant for SMC and BMC in China. The facility is to be located in Jinshan in the greater Shanghai area. Startup is slated for the third quarter of 2008. The plant is intended to serve international customers of Menzolit as well as local Tier 1 suppliers, molders and OEMs. The operation will be managed by Thomas He. Menzolit is planning to offer its usual range of products and also develop specialties targeted to the demands of the Chinese market. AN INTERVIEW WITH HENRI MAGNAUD, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MENZOLIT JEC Composites Magazine: Why move on to China while you were already well-established in South Korea? HENRI MAGNAUD: We have always been very satisfied with our South Korean partner, who helped us gain foothold in Asia. However, to continue developing our business relations in Asia, we decided to produce directly in China so we could have a stronger hold on product development and market activities there. JCM: Why did you choose Shanghai in particular for the new location? H. M.: Shanghai is located between Jiang Su und Zhejian provinces. Our new plant is in Jinshan, which is approximately one hour south-west of Shanghai downtown. We are convinced that Shanghai area should be our top priority for a Menzolit product structure, since the majority of the total thermosets market (SMC and BMC) is concentrated in Shanghai and Shenzhen. JCM: What is the production capacity of this new plant? H. M.: The current production capacity is about 20,000 metric tons SMC and BMC. JCM: Will this plant be taking over from your European-based plants? H. M.: Menzolit Compounds (Shanghai) will not replace our European plants. We will continue to develop our leading market position in Europe with premium and high-performance products, and we also intend to apply this technology standard to medium and high-end markets in China. JCM: In your opinion, what is going to drive your development and what markets are you specifically aiming for? H. M.: Menzolit's direct presence in a fastgrowing market is one of the advantages of our implementation in China. We live up to the motto "Close to the customer". It is a chance for us to develop products for new applications directly in China together The facility is to be located in Shanghai area. with our customers there. In order to strengthen and create partnerships with our customers, we want to be physically present. As for the applications, we are focusing on the medium and high-end automotive, electrical & electronics, and transportation markets. The construction market, sanitary fittings and home appliances are also going to be operated. JCM: Are you planning to make any further investments? H. M.: Our China plant started operating in September 2008. Depending on the market development, we plan to invest in technology and capacity expansion in Asia in both the short and medium term. 1 subscription form (FREE) www.jeccomposites.com/magazine-subscription = 2 additional sources of informationSpecial JEC Composites Asia / No44 October 2008

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JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #44 - October 2008 - Special Asia

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