Sika Adds SikaFiber® Packaging and Extrusion Lines in Chattanooga, TN

A new packaging and extrusion line located at the SikaFiber® plant in Chattanooga, TN, will yield an increase of up to 4 million pounds of the capacity of concrete reinforcing fibers. Sika’s investment in this facility emphasizes the commitment to our customers and the Chattanooga facility to ensure timely production and meet the demanding needs of the growing market.

The new extrusion line is approximately 30% more energy efficient than existing lines through higher output and lower energy, reducing the CO2 footprint and further strengthening Sika’s commitment to sustainability. New features include:

• State-of-the-art controllers
• Energy-efficient motors
• Automatic temperature controls
• Complete insulated ovens with direct air passage

In addition, the new lines have advanced safety features to ensure employee safety. New features include a completely enclosed guarding system around godet rolls with safety interlocks, thread guide rolls for easy machine startup, which prevents access to pinch points, featuring two-hand safety switch system for the oven system, and quench tank improvements that improve ergonomics on thread-up. Enhancing these systems furthers Sika’s mission to make certain our employees remain safe and further strengthens our commitment to safety for all employees.

Sika continues to search for alternative concrete reinforcement solutions that are safe, effective, sustainable, and promote long-term durability. By using SikaFiber® to replace traditional steel reinforcement, we can collectively lower our carbon footprint. SikaFiber® includes other benefits such as concrete toughness, three-dimensional reinforcement, and lifetime protection from corrosion and corrosion spalling.