Across key industries like aerospace, automotive or electronics the demand for the versatile, extremely thin and durable thermoplastic film is continuously rising. Thus, to meet this demand, UK-based materials company Victrex recently opened its new manufacturing facility for high performance thermoplastic films. It was officiated by the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. Victrex has invested £16 million to increase its capacity to supply Aptiv film, which it says is a success story for it having seen good growth in recent years.

Victrex made the strategic investment in the new facility, including a second film production line, to meet future growth. This is also driven by trends in portable consumer electronics to improve sound quality, clarity and performance, with enhanced user functionality in thinner, lighter and smaller products. Already today, the thin, tough and flexible film is used in millions of smartphones´ speaker diaphragms, but also in aerospace applications, and in electrical drive and generator systems in the automotive and energy sector.

Tim Cooper, Managing Director of Victrex Polymer Solutions, who hosted the Chancellor´s visit, said: “Victrex is a growing UK export champion and we were delighted to welcome the Chancellor to unveil our new £16 million polymer film plant, which has helped create high quality UK jobs. Whilst 97% of our sales are from outside the UK, we have a strong track record of investing and creating jobs here and, being at the forefront of UK science and innovation, we have stressed the importance of promoting science and engineering skills in the future.”

Victrex is also investing £90 million in its third PEEK manufacturing plant at its Hillhouse facility, Thornton Cleveleys, UK. The plant is due to start commissioning in early 2015 and has helped create over 20 jobs.