Mitsui Chemicals is expanding capacity for PP compounds in Europe, North America and India in response to growing demand in automotive applications.The company said it expects demand to continue increasing for lighter components and parts that do not require painting, such as bumpers and instrument panels.

Global capacity will rise from 1 million t/y to 1.05 million t/y by July 2017. In the US, two lines will be added at Advanced Composites, Mitsui’s affiliate in Sidney, Ohio, and another line will be added in Mexico, taking capacity in North America to 440,000 t/y from 410,000 t/y.

A 5,000 t/y line will be added in Germany, and 15,000 t/y extra capacity will be installed at Mitsui Prime Advanced Composites in Neemrana, India.