Bluestar Silicones, a global integrated silicones manufacturer, held a grand opening for its new plant and R&D center in York, South Carolina. The multi-million-dollar investment is the centerpiece of Bluestar Silicones’ strategic growth plan, which positions the company as a premier supplier in the silicones industry. More than 100 local, state and federal officials, dignitaries, and customers attended the celebration, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, plant tours and a reception.

“The opening of our new manufacturing and R&D facility is a major step forward in the execution of our strategic plan for North America,” said J. Christopher York, president of Bluestar Silicones North America. “It is an exciting time for our company and the customers we serve as Bluestar Silicones evolves into a top tier supplier.”

Bluestar Silicones is aggressively focused on becoming a significant player in the silicones industry and plans to double sales over the next five years, the company reports. As part of its global expansion plans, the company has relocated its two U.S. manufacturing facilities in Ventura, California and Rock Hill, South Carolina to the 226,000-sq-ft building which is situated on 21.5 acres. The move to York reaffirms the company’s commitment to the North American markets and supports its global five-year strategic growth plan.

The company now produces its extensive range of silicone technologies at the York facility, including liquid silicone rubbers (LSRs), high consistency rubbers (HCRs), room-temperature vulcanized silicones (RTVs), fluids, dispersions, specialty fluids, resins and antifoam, marketed under its Silbione, Silcolease, Silcolapse, Lyndcoat, and Bluesil trade names.