SO.F.TER. to open new plant in the United States

The new facility consists of an area 85,000 m². Initial construction will be approximately 9,300 m² with an installed capacity of 23,000 t. Ultimately the site is planned to expand to more than 23,000 m² and more than 68,000 t. The equipment installed initially will result in approximately 50 new jobs with ultimate site employment expected to exceed 150. The initial investment is expected to be USD 11.5 million (EUR 8.8 million).

The company said that based on its expertise and broad list of approvals developed over the last 30 plus years, it expects to have a strong presence in the automotive, appliance, construction and electrical markets. Mark Rodden, who will serve as Managing Director, said: “We are excited to be part of this project that will bring the SO.F.TER group to the United States. SO.F.TER.’s product portfolio is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. SO.F.TER.’s experience, financial strength and long-term view will enable us to focus on customers with a one-to-one approach, based on flexible and tailored solutions.”

“The foundation of SO.F.TER. U.S. is a step of paramount importance in our internationalization strategy”, said Riccardo Meucci, Global Commercial Director of SO.F.TER. GROUP. «In addition to the size and breadth of its markets, we believe the U.S. has excellent prospects for growth. Moreover, the U.S. operation completes our presence in the Americas and complements our presence in Mexico and Brazil. Now, indeed, we can be considered as a global supplier, providing the same high quality products all around the world”.

The company will make its debut on the US plastics market with a presentation at the SPE Automotive Conference (Detroit, 6 - 9 October 2013). Official launch of the US operations will be held at the K2013 in Düsseldorf (16 - 23 October 2013).