United Kingdom-based materials firm Scott Bader Co. Ltd. has opened a new plant in Mocksville, N.C.
Bader is making adhesives and gelcoats at the site, which represents an investment of $16 million. The new plant employs 27 and covers 110,000 square feet.
In a news release, officials with Bader in Wellingborough, England, said that the site represents the company's commitment to the North American market. They added the plant "will be particularly beneficial" for customers in the marine, renewables, e-mobility and land transport markets.
"Shorter lead times for our North American customers is good news, especially with the impact of global supply chain issues being experienced worldwide," CEO Kevin Matthews said.
Bader also recently invested about $1.6 million at its plant in Drummondville, Quebec, allowing the firm to make its Crestabond-brand adhesives in North America for the first time. These materials also now will be made in Mocksville.
Officials said Crestabond can be used for almost any method of assembly with minimal preparation and is ideal for the bonding of plastics, composites and metals. Bader also is doing work in lightweighting of composites and adhesives to allow customers to improve energy efficiency and lower carbon transportation.
In the next five years, Bader plans to invest more than $30 million in manufacturing in the United Kingdom. The firm also will open a new lab in France in the first quarter of 2024.