Wichita, Kan.-based Invista has announced plans to build a major nylon 6,6 yarn production facility
in the vicinity of Shanghai. Construction of the plant, which will have an annual capacity of 11
kilotons, is expected to begin later this year, with commercial production slated to begin in the
first quarter of 2008.
The new facility, which will use the same technology platform as company facilities in Canada and
England, will produce super-high-tenacity nylon 6,6 yarns for use in industrial textile
applications including automotive air bags. Upon completion of the Shanghai facility, Invista will
be the only company with production capabilities for such yarns in Asia, North America and Europe.
In addition, since early 2005, the company has expanded capacity at its plant in Canada by 5.5
kilotons and in England by 3.2 kilotons.
“Our ability to supply global automotive manufacturers with essentially identical products in
each region of the globe will help them localize their own supply chains more efficiently,” said
Daniel J. Stone, vice president, Performance Fibers Nylon. “We will be making a full range of
materials for air bags in this plant, including our most modern, high-tenacity,
low-decitex-per-filament family of products.”
According to Invista, Shanghai is close to major automotive supply chains and is home to
other Invista facilities with which the new operation may develop synergies.
September/October 2006