Covestro said the investment will support coatings manufacturers seeking consistent product quality, reliable supply and greater flexibility as regulatory requirements become more demanding.

New Line Supports Multiple Resin Chemistries

The new reactor line builds on Meppen's existing Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant manufacturing infrastructure to support requirements associated with food-contact applications.

The equipment is designed to produce a broad range of resin chemistries, including high-molecular-weight and standard polyester grades, alkyds and acrylic resins.

These materials are used in can, coil and industrial coatings, as well as adhesives.

The product lines are marketed under Covestro's Uralac, Uradil, Hybrane and NeoRez brands.

The new reactor can also manufacture intermediates for polyurethane dispersions.

Covestro said the flexibility will allow the site to respond to different customer requirements and support demand across several coatings applications.

Manufacturing and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

The project extends beyond the addition of a reactor.

Covestro modernized existing infrastructure with a new truck filling system and a fully automated drum filling line.

The investment also includes heat recovery equipment designed to improve energy efficiency by capturing process heat for reuse.

Covestro described the total investment as being in the multimillion-euro range but did not disclose a specific amount.

The company is also filling additional positions in production, filling and shipping in response to increased demand for products manufactured at Meppen.

Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, head of Covestro's Coatings & Adhesives business entity, said the investment addresses customer requirements for supply reliability and consistent quality.

"Customers rely on reliable supply and consistent quality. 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 quality is essential and regulatory requirements are complex."

Site Manager Dr. André Rittermeier said the expansion strengthens an established manufacturing operation.

"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."

Meppen's Role in Covestro's Resin Business

The Meppen plant has been in operation since 1956 and became part of Covestro in 2021 through the company's acquisition of Royal DSM's Resins & Functional Materials business.

The site employs more than 100 people, including apprentices.

Its production portfolio includes polyesters, alkyds, acrylates and polyurethane dispersions supplied to customers in paint and coatings, packaging and related markets.

The latest investment expands Meppen's role in Covestro's European polyester specialties operations.

Covestro said the additional capacity and equipment upgrades will support customers seeking consistent material quality and reliable supply for applications involving increasingly complex regulatory and performance requirements.

The expansion adds European production capacity for polyester resins and other materials used in can, coil and industrial coatings. Follow developments in PCI's Paint and Coating Resins & Polymers coverage.