The speciality compounding plant in Genk will have a capacity of 140 000 tons per year.

SABIC says that demand for STAMAX composites is growing at a double-digit rate. The STAMAX long glass fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP) is used in products such as front-end modules, instrument panel carriers, door modules, tailgates and seating systems. SABIC PPcompound materials are used to produce bumper fascias, instrument panels, door panels, interior trims and other automotive products.

“Key in the automotive industry is the ongoing development of value-creating solutions that deliver highest perceived quality while saving weight and reducing system costs,” explains Kees Verbraak, Manager General Technical Marketing SABIC PP Automotive.

SABIC’s aim is to become a preferred, long-term, global supplier to the worldwide automotive industry. As well as the Belgian plant, SABIC is thinking about expanding its PP compounding facilities in countries including the USA and China.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)’s business groups are Chemicals, Polymers, Performance Chemicals, Fertilisers, Metals, and Innovative Plastics. SABIC Europe, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a subsidiary group which includes all SABIC’s polymers and base chemicals activities in Europe.