Bluestar Silicones to hold grand opening of new R&D center in York, S.C.

Bluestar Silicones, a global integrated silicones supplier, has announced plans for the grand opening of its new manufacturing and R&D center in York, S.C. Local, state, and federal officials, other dignitaries, and customers are expected to attend the June 15 celebration which will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, plant tours, and a reception. Bluestar made the announcement during the Medical Device & Manufacturing conference and exhibition May 21-24 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

As part of its global expansion plans, Bluestar Silicones has relocated its two U.S. manufacturing facilities in Ventura, Calif. and Rock Hill, S.C. to a 226,000-sq-ft building which is situated on 21.5 acres. The move to York reaffirms the company’s commitment to the U.S. market and supports its global five-year strategic growth plan to become a leader in the silicones industry.

“Our investment in York, S.C. is significant because it takes our business to the next level,” said J. Christopher York, president of Bluestar Silicones North America. “We are planting new roots and building a new foundation here that will create business opportunities and position us for future market share growth.”

The York facility will become the central R&D center for Bluestar Silicones in North America, bringing R&D personnel together under one roof. The larger manufacturing workshops and laboratory facilities and new pilot equipment are expected to improve technical synergies and accelerate product development and support. In addition, the new manufacturing and R&D center will provide enhanced customer service capabilities, resulting in improved efficiencies and faster response times.

“Our sizable footprint in York will give us ample room to expand workshops, supporting existing specialty markets along with entry into new markets,” explained York. The company also intends to increase staffing in sales, marketing, and technical service. Employment is projected to increase 25% in the next two years at the York facility.

The company intends to produce its extensive range of silicone technologies at the York facility, including liquid silicone rubbers (LSRs), high consistency rubbers (HCRs), room-temperature vulcanized silicones (RTVs), fluids, dispersions, release coatings, specialty fluids, resins and antifoam.