Emerald Kalama Chemical, a business group of Emerald Performance Materials, recently announced further plans to increase capacity for its K-FLEX non-phthalate plasticizers and coalescents. The company has doubled its U.S. capacity for the K-FLEX line at its Kalama facility since 2011, and will reportedly dedicate an additional reactor for production and R&D this fall to accommodate needs for increased manufacturing and product development. The company recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony, which included tours of its newly expanded facility in Kalama, Wash.

According to Edward Gotch, president of Emerald Kalama Chemical, the execution of the company’s latest expansion was a success. “This business has completed a major project or acquisition every year since the company was formed in 2006,” he said. “Our growth will accelerate going forward to align with our strategy of expanding as an innovative leader in this key platform. With 10 new product concepts active in our R&D pipeline, the new large, semi-works reactor will support product and customer scale-up. It will also provide an additional 10 million lbs of capacity to support production needs. Future expansions are planned in the U.S., Europe and Asia.”

“The long hours, hard work, skill and expertise needed to successfully reach this momentous landmark in our expansion, while also meeting all codes and standards, exemplifies our continued dedication to growth, ingenuity and teamwork,” said Jarrod Kocin, plant manager. “At the height of construction, there were up to 90 contractor personnel on-site, and as much as 6.4 miles of pipe, 140 tons of constructional steel and 1,200 cubic yards of concrete were used, not to mention the number of valves, pumps and motors that were installed.”

“Product innovation has been a key part of the K-FLEX growth strategy,” said Shamsi Gravel, K-FLEX product line director for the Americas. “It was just one year ago that the company gathered to celebrate its 50th anniversary and dedicate its new expanded Technical Center. As a result, we have accelerated our efforts to develop creative, environmentally friendly solutions that deliver performance to targeted applications. We are looking forward to the next phase of our growth.”

For additional information, visit www.emeraldmaterials.com.