The US-based silicones manufacturing company Momentive Performance Materials Inc has inaugurated its state-of-the-art facility in Chennai, bringing the number of its global production plants to twenty-seven. The 15-acre plant at Oragadam will not only cater to the company’s existing clients in the automotive and other industries but also tap other potential clients in the region. The company already supplies silicone applications to Hyundai Motor India Ltd’s vendors.

VP Nalin, managing director, Momentive Performance, says the new facility will produce silicone products used as coatings for auto components like headlights among other applications. The new unit will help the company consolidate production and also probably result in a decision to shut down the company’s Bangalore facility, which is located on a leased premises.

Nalin adds, “Over the years, we have stayed on course in realising our vision of making Momentive a best-in-class specialty chemicals company in South Asia by combining global technology, application development, manufacturing and service capability with excellent products and services for the India region. The inauguration of this manufacturing facility in Chennai, in conjunction with our monomer and finishing plant in Rayong, Thailand will considerably enhance our capability to develop and manufacture products, create applications and service them in an efficient manner.”

Focus on Chennai and India

Dr Ian Moore, president and CEO, EMEA and India, Momentive, who inaugurated the new plant, said: “Building a manufacturing facility in India is an important decision for us. India is one of the world’s most rapidly growing markets for automotive, construction, telecom and energy. Chennai, in particular, is developing into a significant cluster with regard to the automotive and other industries.

Our presence in India gives us a competitive edge that we intend to utilise in full.” Major growth sectors for the company include Silopren liquid silicone rubber and silicone heat cured elastomers for polymeric insulators in the high voltage segment, coatings for the automotive OEM and ancillary segments, both in the local and export markets, telecom and agriculture. Research and development in Chennai will be focused on application development to meet local customer needs.

A centralised customer service centre at the Oragadam plant will enhance co-ordination and services to customers, as well as end-to-end supply chain management operations. The company is also engaged in a number of socially focused initiatives such as in-house training programmes centered on running the plant efficiently, with the highest safety standards. The new unit will also be a zero discharge plant, underscoring the company’s green commitment.