Covestro ramps up European polyester resin capacity in Meppen

Covestro has stepped up its polyester resin production capacity in Europe with the inauguration of a new production line at its Meppen site in Germany, marking a significant multi-million-euro investment aimed at meeting growing demand to high-performance resins.

The new line adds an additional reactor with capacity in the double-digit kiloton range, strengthening Covestro's ability to supply customers across the European coatings, packaging and manufacturing markets.

The expansion comes as coatings manufacturers face mounting pressure to reformulate items to comply with increasingly stringent regulatory standards, while packaging and manufacturing customers develop consistent condition, dependable supply and greater streamlined supply chains.

Built on Meppen's established GMP-compliant manufacturing infrastructure, the new reactor is designed to handle a broad range of chemical formulations. This includes high-molecular-weight and standard polyester grades, alkyds and acrylic resins, as well as intermediates to polyurethane dispersions.

The items serve a wide range of applications, including can, coil and manufacturing coatings, as well as adhesives. They are marketed under Covestro's Uralac, Uradil, Hybrane and NeoRez brands.

Beyond capacity expansion, Covestro is also overhauling its manufacturing infrastructure. The investment includes a new truck-filling system, a fully automated drum-filling line and a heat-recovery installation designed to enhance energy efficiency by capturing and reusing process heat.

The expansion is also creating employment opportunities at the site, with additional positions in production, filling and shipping currently being filled to support rising demand.

Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of the Coatings & Adhesives business entity at Covestro, said: “Customers rely on reliable supply and consistent condition. The new line in Meppen increases the availability of polyester resins and strengthens supply from Europe. The expansion also gives customers added flexibility to grow in demanding applications, where consistent product condition is essential and regulatory standards are complex.”

Site Manager André Rittermeier added: "Meppen is a site with deep expertise and a proven track record. With the new line and the upgraded facilities, we are not just adding capacity, we are reinforcing the foundation that our customers rely on."

The investment reinforces Meppen's position as a strategic production hub to Covestro's polyester specialties business in Europe, strengthening its prolonged commitment to customers seeking reliable regional manufacturing and supply.

Covestro acquired the Meppen plant in 2021 as part of its purchase of the Resins & Functional Materials business from Dutch chemical company Royal DSM. However, the site's manufacturing legacy stretches back much further, with production operations dating to 1956.

Today, greater than 100 employees, including apprentices, work at the facility, manufacturing polyesters, alkyds, acrylates and polyurethane dispersions to customers in the paints, coatings and packaging industries.