Sekisui Voltek to Build New Polyolefins Foam Plant in Michigan

Stephen Moore | Oct 10, 2022

Sekisui Voltek is moving forward with a $39 million investment to expand operations at its Coldwater, MI, manufacturing facility for cross-linked polyethylene and polypropylene foams. As the leader for polyolefin foams in the North and South American markets, a proactive approach was necessary to increase capacity and meet strong customer demand for Volara foam products.

The new plant will be built on a 20-acre parcel directly adjacent to Sekisui Voltek's current facility. The project is in the final planning phases and the company expects to break ground early next year. Completion of the project is expected in 2024. Production at the current plant will remain in full operation during construction of the new facility. Upon completion, the new plant will increase production capacity by around 20%.

Available in densities from 1.5 to 20 lb./cubic feet, Volara foam products find various applications in transportation, from vibration damping to gaskets and water shields; soft-touch feel when laminated to TPO, ABS-PVC, or fabrics for interior trim use; and non-abrasive protective packaging for shipping Class A finish auto parts. Fire-retardant grades meeting FMVSS302 and FAR 25/853 standards are also available for use in aircraft interiors.

"We are happy to share this exciting news with our customers and our community. We know the last few years have been trying with supply-chain issues, increases in freight costs, and COVID-19. This expansion will bring new technology, state-of-the-art equipment, and additional automation so we can continue to provide excellent customer service, adhere to our strict quality and safety measures, and expand the production of our innovative foam products," said Sekisui Voltek President and CEO, Neil Beckhusen.

Sekisui Voltek and its employees have been a staple within the Coldwater community for more than 50 years. This expansion will allow for approximately 20 new positions to be added to the 200 current team members.

The decision to expand the facility was assisted by both state and local tax incentives. Working with the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Branch County Economic Growth Alliance, and the city of Coldwater, Sekisui Voltek received economic incentives to create a tax base and job growth in the Coldwater community.

"Sekisui Voltek has been a strong economic partner, employer, and contributing member to the Coldwater community for more than 50 years. We are grateful they have decided to move forward with this investment for the next 50 years in Coldwater," said Lisa Miller, Executive Director of the Branch Economic Growth Alliance.

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