DuPont has announced a continuation of its investment strategy for high-performance fibres with a multi-product, multi-region expansion plan for its high- performance Nomex brand fibre. The company expects to invest more than $100 million in the three-part expansion that is scheduled to begin rolling out in phases later this year.

The expansion is comprised of several projects spanning Nomex ingredients, fibre and paper. Under the plans DuPont Chemical Solutions plans to construct a new isophthaloyl chloride (ICL) facility in Asturias, Spain.  ICL is one of the principal ingredients used to manufacture Nomex. This new facility will also liberate additional existing capacity to be used for the production of ingredients for Kevlar. The existing Nomex site at Asturias plans to add new equipment to increase Nomex fibre manufacturing capacity there by more than 30%.

Nomex is an inherently flame-resistant, high-temperature fibre that will not melt, drip or support combustion in air. The fibre is used in protection for industrial workers against flash fire and electric arc hazards. It also is used in military gear such as flight suits and Combat Vehicle Crewmen coveralls.