German engineering plastics producer Covestro has broken ground on a new production facility for polycarbonate film at Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Thailand. The company said the new capacity will supply fast growing demand in Asia Pacific and strengthen its own position as a market leader.

The new EUR 100 million facility is designed to extend the range of products in response to market demand, Covestro said. The project that also includes an expansion of associated infrastructure and logistics represents the first step of a global capacity increase for the company’s film production.

An existing plant that was started up in January 2007 at the Thai site produces the former Bayer group company’s Makrofol polycarbonate and Bayfol PC blend films. These are used in the manufacture of security and ID cards as well as in automotive, medical and E&E applications.

Along with intensifying the company’s collaboration with customers in Asia Pacific, the new plant should improve efficiency and punctual delivery, said Thorsten Dreier, global head of Covestro´s Specialty Films Business.