Henkel recently announced it has inaugurated what is reportedly the world’s largest adhesives factory in Shanghai. With this new production facility, the company is expanding its production capacity in a major emerging market and intends to deliver its adhesive technologies more quickly to the growing number of customers based in China and the Asia region. The new factory, known as the “Dragon Plant” at Henkel, comprises 150,000 sq m of space, and is now the central production site for industrial adhesives in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

“This new adhesives factory will contribute significantly to the achievement of our strategy 2016: It will enable our Adhesives business to expand and leverage its global reach, and win market share in emerging markets,” said Kasper Rorsted, chairman of the Management Board of Henkel Group.

“The inauguration of the Dragon Plant is an important milestone for us and our customers,” said Jan-Dirk Auris, executive vice president of Adhesive Technologies. “Having this larger production facility brings us closer to our customers in the region, not just geographically but also by reinforcing our commitment to partnering for innovation and mutual success.” 

Henkel will reportedly concentrate its existing adhesives production operations in the greater Shanghai region at the new site in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, thus significantly expanding its capacities for current and future technologies. This move is reportedly part of the company’s ongoing program to consolidate and optimize its global production network.

The Dragon Plant is reportedly a model for sustainability and efficiency. Compared to a traditional production plant, it uses only half the amount of water thanks to condensed water recovery systems, while recycling has reduced the volume of packaging materials by 60%, and electricity usage for factory lighting has been cut by 90% due to special translucent roofs that let in daylight. There is also a system for recovering waste heat, and the factory includes filling equipment designed to prevent adhesives leaks and spills.

For more information visit www.henkel.com.