- Production of low-emission interior surface materials to meet stringent legislation
- Largest investment in company’s history
- Series production scheduled to start at end of this year
Yesterday, Benecke-Kaliko held the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s new plant in Changzhou, China. Benecke-Changshun ECO Trim, a joint venture between Benecke-Kaliko and Chinese Jiangsu Changshun Group Co., Ltd, will manufacture the environment-friendly, low-emission and allergen-free automotive trim material Acella Eco at the new site. This comes in response to the increasing demand from the Chinese automotive industry for eco optimized surface materials that ensure the stringent legislation pertaining to air quality in the vehicle interior.
Largest investment in company’s history
As a business unit of ContiTech AG, Benecke-Kaliko is part of the internationally operating Continental Corporation. Benecke-Kaliko is investing nearly EUR 40 million in the construction of the plant for phase 1, making its mark as the largest investment in the company’s history. A workforce of about 250 employees will produce Acella Eco surface material at the 24,000 square meter facility.
Picture3: Low-emission and low-odor: Acella Eco green from Benecke-Kaliko for vehicle seats ensures good interior air quality in vehicles and helps to protect the global climate (source: Benecke-Kaliko)
Only water-based paints are used
Acella Eco is an environmentally friendly PVC artificial leather product. Only water-based paints are used in the production of the Acella Eco surface material, which is one of the basic requirements in order to achieve the lowest possible emission level within the material and guarantees environmental friendly production. The material is suitable for long-term direct contact with the skin and does not contain antimony or any heavy metals. Applications include vehicle seats, door trim, and decorative surfaces.
First orders have been secured
Series production will start at the end of this year. The first orders have already been secured. At full capacity in Changzhou, the operation is capable of producing 10 million square meters of Acella Eco products on an annual basis. This represents a 100% increase in the company’s capacity in China. The new plant is breaking ground just one year after Benecke-Changshun Auto Trim Zhangjiagang completed a major expansion broadening local manufacturing capability to include TEPEO foils (TPO compact foils and foam laminates).
Main Picture: Ground-breaking ceremony for Benecke-Kaliko’s new plant in Changzhou (source: Benecke-Kaliko)
