en.Wedoany.com Reported - Zotefoams Inc. has completed a $13.8 million expansion of its North American headquarters in Walton, Kentucky, establishing a full end-to-end manufacturing operation as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary in the Bluegrass State.
The expansion increases production capacity by over 20%, helping to provide North American customers with shorter lead times, greater supply chain independence, and locally produced materials. The upgraded facility adds a new low-pressure autoclave and cleaning line, with an additional extrusion line expected to begin operations this month, representing $2.8 million in additional capital investment and creating two new jobs.
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman joined local officials and Zotefoams leadership to cut the ribbon on the expansion project. Coleman stated that manufacturing is a key component of Kentucky's economy and one of the state's largest employers, expressing delight in celebrating the expansion with Zotefoams, which will lay the foundation for its future success and create quality job opportunities for Kentuckians. Governor Andy Beshear affirmed in a statement the importance of supporting long-term partners and thanked Zotefoams for its commitment to Kentucky.
The expansion was supported by the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. (BSSC), an agency managed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, which provides incentives for businesses to keep new and existing employees competitive through flexible, employer-driven skills training.
Since its first expansion in 2015, Zotefoams' local workforce has grown from 24 to 100 employees, with the total labor force increasing more than fourfold.
The investment aims to bring production closer to customers and build supply chain resilience. Zotefoams' foam materials serve sectors including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, industrial packaging, and space, with existing customers including Boeing, Airbus, and Nike.
Ronan Cox, Group CEO of Zotefoams plc, stated that by expanding manufacturing capabilities in Walton, the company can bring production closer to customers, improve responsiveness, and create a more resilient supply chain. He noted that this investment reflects the strength of the North American business, the dedication of the team, and the long-term opportunities the company sees in the markets it serves.
Zotefoams plc, the parent company of Zotefoams Inc., manufactures lightweight AZOTE polyolefin and ZOTEK high-performance foams using manufacturing processes such as nitrogen expansion, and sells to global markets. The company also uses its own foam materials to produce T-FIT advanced insulation for demanding industrial markets. Zotefoams is headquartered in London, UK, with manufacturing bases in Croydon, UK; Kentucky; Brzeg, Poland; Oklahoma; Anguix and Burgos, Spain; and Jiangsu Province, China.
