Doubling airbag fiber production in China

“In Asia, we have seen growing demand for high-tenacity airbag fibers due to rising automotive safety standards as well as increasing airbag fitment,” says Jeff Brown, vice president of Invista Performance Surfaces and Materials. “China is on the leading edge of change in both areas.” Invista, based in Wichita, Kansas, plans to double the capacity of its plant in Shanghai to produce high-tenacity nylon 6, 6 airbag fiber. The Shanghai plant is located near major automotive supply chains and “global automotive production is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with particular strength in Asia and South America,” according to Brown.