CTS, the compounding division  of Tessenderlo group increases the production capacity for Téfabloc®  TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers).

This increase  is to satisfy  current demand and the  continuous growth of all markets, particularly the automotive  market  where  CTS Cousin-Tessier enjoys  a strong position .
In automotive, CTS ranks number1 in Europe and in the top 5 worldwide for airbag cover materials. Other  applications include  dashboard mat, gear knob, console shutter, and  grips, all applications where   Téfabloc®  is often delivered pre-colored , according to the customer’s wants.

Sealing is another  important application where   Téfabloc® is growing, thanks to several advantages   over vulcanised rubber.  In addition to contributing  to vehicle weight reduction, and to recyclability, the Téfabloc®  offers a better productivity and significantly improves cosmetic appearance  and ageing stability versus existing solutions based on EPDM.

Already used  for several years in  static window encapsulation, Téfabloc®  is finding great   success in weather-strips, glass run channels, as well as  corner over moulding. In fact, it has been selected by Cooper Standard for a mid-range vehicle for  a European car manufacturer, that will be launched in the autumn of 2007.

To meet this significant need, the facility  in Tiffauges, France  is  increasing capacity in order to boost CTS’s TPE capacity to  25 000 metric tons per year.
The total  investment for this increase will be  3.5 M Euros. With 8000 metric ton annual capacity, this Maris production line is the biggest sold by the manufacturer in Europe.

 Téfabloc®  TPE’s product range is mainly based on SBC –Styrenic Block Co-polymer  – technology. Solutions offered for automotive sealing functions  are based on HSBC (Hydrogenated Styrenic Bloc Co-Polymers) due to their exceptional performance and each product  benefits from  the 20 years of experience of CTS in thermoplastic elastomer compounding.

CTS –Compound Technology Services – includes 3 production unitsin France and in Poland, to supply the European continent with  the best condition for cost and service. Overseas sales are simplified by CTS Cousin-Tessier’s location  near the Atlantic coast and its harbours.

In North America, sales are through a local CTS sales office and the Asia Pacific markets  are served through  a local distributor that  has over forty sales offices.