Chemical molding release agent producer Chem-Trend LP is expanding its Maisach, Germany, operation for better integration with sister companies.
Chem-Trend, based in Howell, Mich., said June 29 that it and its parent company, Freudenberg Chemical Specialities SE & Co. KG, recently broke ground for the project, due for completion in late 2017. Chem-Trend makes release agents, process aids, purging compounds and other ancillary molding 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 center, a small container filling operation and administrative functions. Investment in the complex located near Munich will total about $45 million.
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.