Dutch chemical company AkzoNobel has completed a €22 million expansion of its Los Reyes organic peroxides plant in Mexico. The newly built extension will produce its Laurox brand of organic peroxides, which are used in the production of plastics and rubber products. Capacity details were not disclosed.

“Mexico is an important market for us and the Los Reyes site serves as an efficient platform to further develop our global leadership position in organic peroxides,” said Werner Fuhrmann, executive committee member for specialty chemicals. He added: “This is a strategic investment, which will enable us to better satisfy growing demand for our products.”

According to Johan Landfors, managing director of AkzoNobel’s polymer chemistry business, the company plans to continue investing in its North American plants over the next five years to better service its key customers both in the region and worldwide.

The Los Reyes site, which has been in operation since 1970, is also the headquarters for AkzoNobel’s Mexican specialty chemicals business. Overall, the company has three production sites in Mexico, employing more than 500 people.