Compounder Tosaf Inc. increased its North American production capacity by 40 percent in 2023 through investments at its four plants in the region.
Tosaf, based in Tvunot, Israel, operates North American plants in Baytown and Arlington, Texas; Bessemer City, N.C.; and West Unity, Ohio. In 2023, the firm installed new extrusion lines, advanced automation and control systems at these sites.
In an email to Plastics News, a company spokesperson said that Tosaf installed five new production lines at its North American sites in 2023, and that additional lines and equipment have been ordered for 2024.
The spokesperson added that Tosaf has invested more than $10 million in recent North American expansions. The Baytown site was opened in 2023. Tosaf "anticipates expanding its business through both organic growth and acquisitions," the spokesperson added.
Officials said the new lines use cutting-edge technology for additives production, with energy and water systems designed to minimize environmental impact.
"The U.S. market is expanding quickly," North American Chief Operating Officer Arkadi Libman said. "Having a widespread local presence is crucial to delivering optimal service to our customers."
In Bessemer City, Tosaf added a new rail car loader that allows for shipping of colors, white resin and additives via rail car. Doing so improves delivery times by optimizing logistics and efficiency, Libman said.
"Minimized waste, reduced labor, optimized packaging and efficient material movement all contribute to an overall lower carbon footprint," he added.
Jordan Bostater, regional sales manager for the Ohio plant, said the location "serves just about every market that plastics touches," but specializes in PVC pipe and bottle development.
"When we first meet customers, we concentrate on understanding their challenges," he added. "We offer solutions and then build lasting partnerships by delivering fast service, fair pricing and reliable technical support."
Tosaf employs more than 1,400 at 21 production sites worldwide. Its lineup includes compounds that use anti-fog, flame retardant and UV additives. Tosaf spent $2 million in 2022 on a new silo system and two new extrusion lines in Bessemer City. The firm added 15-20 jobs there in 2021-22.
Tosaf acquired the 70,000-square-foot West Unity site in 2020 when it bought Vision Color LLC, a maker of compounds, concentrates and powder blends.