MonoSol to build U.S. water-soluble film manufacturing plant in response to global demand

MonoSol, a Kuraray Division, has announced that it will initially invest US$72 million to build a new, 150,000-square-foot water-soluble film manufacturing facility in Lebanon, Indiana. It will have the option to expand the site to over 400,000 square feet in the future. This will be the company’s fourth facility in the United States and sixth overall dedicated to producing water-soluble films. This site is expected to initially create up to 89 new, high-wage jobs when operational in mid-2020.

Kuraray is one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies, based in Merrillville, Indiana. Its MonoSol division produces innovative water-soluble delivery systems aimed at detergent and cleaning industries around the world. Its growing portfolio of applications includes detergents, agro-chemical packaging, solid surface and composite release films, and embroidery, as well personal care products, food ingredients, water treatment chemicals, transfer printing and more.

Monosol’s dissolvable film is used to create pre-portioned packets for a wide variety of applications, including detergents and cleaners, food ingredients, agrochemical, cosmetics and personal care products, and pool & spa chemicals. This pioneering film technology is also used for the growing segments of transfer printing, countertops, and solid surface release films, composites fabrication in aerospace, embroidery backing, and healthcare containment applications.

The new facility will add approximately 18 percent to existing global capacity and allow MonoSol to keep pace with consistent growth in several business segments, while increasing operational efficiency and material flow. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2018 and be completed by mid-2020. Once completed, MonoSol’s global manufacturing footprint will include four plants in Indiana, USA as well as sites in Hartlebury, UK, and Saijo, Japan.

“We are making a significant investment in our water-soluble film technology in response to continued global demand and the growing needs of our customers for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions,” said P. Scott Bening, president, and CEO, Kuraray/MonoSol. “Expanding our manufacturing footprint into central Indiana further strengthens our business continuity plan through geographic diversity and enhances our proximity to key customers who have ever-increasing needs for products that require exact dosage, easier handling, greater convenience, and safety and sustainability.”

Bening added, “MonoSol was founded in Portage in 1953 and northwest Indiana has served as an outstanding location to build and grow a global business. Further expanding the company’s presence in Indiana, allows us to continue our strong legacy of community outreach and involvement.”