IDI and SMC form JV in Mexico

Photo by IDI Composites International IDI Composites International is based in Noblesville, Ind.

IDI Composites International and SMC Composites have formed a thermoset moulding compound joint venture in Mexico: IDI Composites International Mexico.

The JV will focus on expanding IDI’s worldwide footprint, officials with Noblesville, Ind.-based IDI said in an 18 April news release. SMC Composites — based in Weslaco, Texas — operates a plant in Mexico City that will be used by the new JV.

“The timing of this deal makes sense for us, as global demand for our products continues to grow,” said Tom Flood, IDI North America vice president and general manager, in the release. “We see this continuing for the foreseeable future.”

IDI makes bulk molding compounds, sheet molding compounds and structural thermoset composites based on thermoset polyester and vinyl ester for a wide range of applications. The firm, whose full name is Industrial Dielectrics, operates plants in the United States, France, China and Puerto Rico. It recently completed a multimillion dollar rebuilding of its headquarters plant and offices in Noblesville.

SMC formulates and compounds thermoset composites, including bulk molding and sheet molding compounds. The firm serves customers throughout North and South America.