German resin plant offline for 6 months

DETROIT : The owner of a German factory that makes a key resin used in auto parts says the plant will be out of commission for at least six months.

A shortage of the resin is threatening to cut global car and truck production just as the US auto sales recovery is accelerating.

The Evonik Industries plant was badly damaged in a March 31 explosion and fire.

It makes at least a quarter of the world’s supply of PA-12, a nylon resin used in fuel lines and other parts.

The plant also makes about 70% of a key ingredient used by other manufacturers.

Earlier this month Evonik said the plant would be down for at least three months.

Officials from the US auto industry, however, have indicated they don’t expect the resin shortage to have a major effect on operations.

© 2012 The Canadian Press