Demand for pressure-sensitive materials continues to grow in Europe. To meet future demand, Avery Dennison is strengthening its European manufacturing footprint with a $65 million investment to expand its Rodange, Luxembourg production facility. The investment is one of Avery Dennison’s largest operational initiatives globally in recent years.

“Following years of increasing market demand in Europe, and in line with our long-term growth strategy, we have decided to increase our capacity and capabilities so we can bring customer service and product quality to the next level. Moreover, in building a platform with sustainability and flexibility in mind, we are gaining an even greater ability to be responsive to our customer needs in both of these pivotal areas. The new technologies that are an integral part of this expansion will provide our customers with increased choices and opportunities as we grow together in the years to come.” said Angelo Depietri, vice president and general manager Materials Group Europe.

The expansion incorporates a state of the art, multi-capability coater, additional slitter capacity, a new packaging line, and an automated warehouse. The total space utilized in Rodange will increase by more than 12,000 sqm and will be optimized to deliver maximized sustainability related to waste management, energy consumption and water-use efficiency. 

Following an assessment of potential locations for this investment, Rodange emerged as the preferred option on two particular fronts: high productivity and efficiency, and shorter customer delivery distances, which enhances service capability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, by situating this added capacity in centrally-located Luxembourg, associated greenhouse gas emissions will be decreased by 700 tons annually, contributing to the realization of the goals Avery Dennison set out in its Sustainability Agenda 2025.

A permit to begin the expansion is expected from local authorities in Rodange by the end of September, with construction expected to begin later this year. Initial production from the expansion is expected in the second half of 2018.