The US chemicals and life science group said the investment will help to meet growing demand for advanced mobility solutions for vehicle electrification. Newly installed equipment will facilitate the capacity increase as well as accelerate delivery of product samples to customers.

DuPont’s portfolio includes thermal interface materials to support battery thermal management during hybrid/electric vehicle charging and operation as well as multi-material bonding adhesives for vehicle body structure bonding and battery sealing and assembly. Other lines include structural adhesives for the body structure and battery bonding to support crash durability and lightweighting as well as glass bonding adhesives to enhance vehicle structure for OEM installation and aftermarket repair of glass parts.

The latest capacity increase plans follow DuPont’s recent announcements of investments in advanced adhesives solutions in the Asia Pacific region. Last month, it said it would invest around $30 million in a new plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, East China to produce adhesives for the transportation industry, specifically targeting vehicle electrification and lightweighting. Construction is scheduled to begin in this year’s third quarter, with start-up expected in early 2023.

In addition to Europe and Asia Pacific, the US group’s Mobility & Materials arm has manufacturing operations and R&D capabilities in North America and Latin America. The segment’s sub-unit Performance Resins and Advanced Solutions unit reported double-digit growth in the 2021 first quarter, which DuPont said reflects the continued recovery of the global automotive market as well as strong demand for specialty pastes used in consumer electronics.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist