BUFFALO - Alkegen, one of the largest speciality materials platforms in the world, formed following the merger of Lydall and Unifrax, has announced plans to increase its micro-fine glass fibre capacity across the US, Europe, and China as it looks to support growing battery and filtration demand.
Alkegen specialises in high performance materials for use in advanced applications such as filtration media, battery technologies, high temperature insulation and fire protection. The plan is to accelerate enhanced MFGF capacity by adding a total of eight manufacturing lines in its facility in Bahrain and 22 lines to its US-based facility located in Summerville, SC. The company also plans to expand and improve MFGF capacity and operations in China, including doubling its current rotary capacity in the region.
“Our advanced micro-fine glass fibers are critical components in many of the world’s most innovative products, from medical devices to battery packs for electric vehicles,” said John Dandolph, president and chief executive officer, Alkegen. “These latest investments reflect Alkegen’s ongoing commitment to our partners in the fibre technology space, increasing supply in anticipation of future demand as we continue to develop compelling new specialty applications for these advanced glass fiber chemistries.”
“Our MFGF expansion in Bahrain, Summerville, S.C., & Songyuan, China keeps Alkegen positioned globally as the best option for customers that value quality and security of supply,” added Chris McPhillips, general manager of MFGF, Alkegen. “The addition of over 30 manufacturing lines will not only help alleviate some of the supply chain strains we’ve seen over the first half of the year, they will ensure that Alkegen continues to address growing demand for MFGF in rapidly-growing industry sectors like batteries, High End Air and Liquid Filtration, and Medical Testing Media.”
