Hanwha to Expand Czech Components Plant

South-Korean automotive supplier Hanwha L&C Corp. is planning to expand its plant in Chlebovice in the Moravian-Silesian region. Three new production halls will be built for the pressing of glass mat reinforced thermoplastics (GMT), for assembly and storage, and a silo. The Czech daughter of Hanwha L&C has already received approval from the Environmental Assessment for the 8,000 m² expansion.

In order to to boost production of GMT parts by 4,000 tonnes a year, Hanwha will install six new presses. Production of expanded polypropylene (EPP) will be also increased by 3,450 tonnes a year, by building two new reactors at the site. Hanwha plans to begin construction in early 2012 and will complete the expansion by 2012.

The company mainly produces plastic parts (energy absorbers, headliners, sunshades and under body covers) for Hyundai’s nearby car plant in Nosovice. The plant started operations two years ago. Hanwha’s total investment in the Czech site amounts to €160 million.