Datwyler upgrades liquid silicone rubber plant in Mexico
Silao, Mexico – Datwyler’s production plant in Silao, Mexico, has become the latest facility to receive an upgrade in order to provide Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) components to its customers in Mexico and the wider North and South American Region. Part of an ongoing initiative that commenced two years ago, the transfer of technology from Datwyler’s plant in Cleebronn, Germany has also been implemented in Wuxi China. As the mobility sector transitions further towards electrification and greater levels of autonomy, the move is designed to support the need for specialist compounds and components for advanced applications.
LSR provides optimal stability across high and low temperature extremes – ranging from -55 ⁰C to +250 ⁰C – and also delivers high levels of resistance to chemicals, water and other environmental influences. These properties, in combination with excellent electrical insulation properties, are highly regarded in electronic applications. The initiative to transfer this advanced technology to Mexico is entirely in line with our strategy to fully support our customers at a local level, particularly as they transition to new mobility.
Backed by Datwyler’s global support network, engineering and production capabilities, the ability to fully support customers in the region will have far reaching benefits. Supply chain security will be strengthened to an even greater level, while the local-for-local approach will also drive waste out of both supply and production processes. Supply chains will also be shortened, facilitating faster speeds to market – a critical element in the electric vehicle market due to the demands of both OEMs and big tech companies as they compete for market share.
LSR is not necessarily new to this market but, in addition to our production and engineering expertise, our Silao plant is the only operation in the region to offer 2K (two-component) technologies and one of the few across Mexico. Our ability to give customers access to our advanced material and simulation capabilities will also add significant value. As we continue to work together with automotive OEMs and system suppliers, advanced materials can be selected and developed to their unique specifications, delivering optimal performance, mitigating risks and streamlining processes.
The Silao plant has been a core supplier of rubber components to the region and beyond for over 13 years. The new line is expected to significantly enhance its ability to deliver the highest quality LSR components to its customers. One machine is already in operation, with a second due to come online in early 2022.