Author: RubberWorld

Wacker Chemie AG is expanding its specialty silicone manufacturing capacities in China. A kick-off event today at the Zhangjiagang site in Jiangsu Province marks the start of construction of several new production lines, where the globally operating chemical group will manufacture functional silicone fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone elastomer gels. Investments of some €150 million have been earmarked for the expansion project. The project has already received all necessary permits from local authorities. The new facilities are scheduled to come on stream in the second half of 2025.

Mr. Stephens was most recently President and CEO of Motor City Industrial, an industrial supplier of fasteners, bearings, and consumable products, where he led the closing and integration of four strategic acquisitions during his tenure. Previously he spent more than 15 years at Fastenal, a distributor of industrial and construction products, serving in various leadership positions. Mr. Stephens holds both an MBA and a B.A. in business from the University of Kansas.

Bridgestone Americas announced its Azuga Fleet Management Software is now available for purchase in AWS Marketplace, a digital catalog with thousands of software listings from independent software vendors that make it easy to find, test, buy, and deploy software that runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS). It marks the first Bridgestone product launch in AWS Marketplace since the company became part of the AWS Partner Network (APN) in an effort to build new solutions, co-market offerings, and reach new customers.

Dry Molded Fiber is a game-changing fiber-forming technology invented and licensed by Swedish packaging tech company PulPac to replace single-use plastic on a global scale. The technology makes it possible to produce sustainable packaging that’s resource-, energy-, and cost-efficient. Together with turnkey partner Huarong Group from Taiwan, PulPac is now launching a compact and scalable Dry Molded Fiber machine platform.

NICE Rapid’s silicone molding services encompass a range of capabilities, each designed to meet the unique needs and specifications of diverse industries. Assembling a fully experienced engineering team with an extensive background in silicone molding, the business ensures that every project benefits from expert guidance, meticulous planning, and a keen focus on precision. Hence, clients can expect responsive communication, transparent project management, and a commitment to meeting deadlines.

The proposed plan will change the Company’s operating model to a third-party distribution and retail sales model instead of a company-owned approach. The proposed plan will lead to a reduction of approximately 700 positions, the exit of nine warehouse locations, and the sale or exit of approximately 100 retail and fleet store locations

In a study, published in Polymer International, researchers from a consortium of universities across Shanghai, China, have described a new poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based elastomer that can self-repair after damage, to maintain shape and performance. The flexible polymer is a solution to a longstanding issue with the durability of flexible electronic devices.

The event will take place Wednesday, November 8th, at Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies in Plymouth, MI. The doors open at 8:30AM, and the technical program is scheduled from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.