ATP invests $70 million in Columbia, South Carolina, launching ATP North America with solvent-free adhesives, sustainability, innovation, and localized manufacturing.
ATP Adhesives has officially unveiled its North American operations with the establishment of ATP North America, a dedicated business unit aimed at serving manufacturers across the United States and Canada. The company, well-regarded in Europe and Asia for its high-performance, solvent-free adhesive tapes, is making a strategic entry into the North American market with a major investment. ATP plans to spend $70 million to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Columbia, South Carolina. The plant, covering 127,000 square feet, is scheduled to begin production in July 2026 and is expected to create approximately 130 jobs.
According to Dirk Henke, Managing Director and newly appointed leader of ATP North America, the launch represents a crucial step in strengthening the company’s global presence. He emphasized that combining ATP’s German and Swiss engineering expertise—characterized by advanced coating knowledge and disciplined processes—with American-based manufacturing will allow the company to offer enhanced services. Customers will benefit from shorter lead times, reliable supply chains, and closer collaboration on product development. Henke also highlighted that this expansion will allow ATP to deliver cost-effective, solvent-free tapes while promoting sustainability and simplifying procurement processes for local manufacturers.
The Columbia facility will serve as more than just a production site. It is designed to function as a hub for innovation and collaboration, offering integrated coating, converting, and product development capabilities on site. This means customers will have the opportunity to move seamlessly from trial phases to full-scale production with fewer logistical challenges. Locating manufacturing closer to customers will also improve turnaround times and enable more effective inventory strategies that better align with real demand cycles.
Daniel Heini, CEO of ATP Adhesives, described the launch of ATP North America and the construction of the new facility as a landmark in the company’s global growth story. By placing production in the U.S., ATP intends to bring its well-established reputation for innovation, reliability, and sustainability directly to North American customers.
Key advantages of the new venture include localized expertise paired with global knowledge, faster collaboration opportunities, and a significant focus on sustainability. ATP’s solvent-free adhesive systems are designed to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and minimize odors compared to traditional solvent-based methods. Additionally, establishing onshore capacity will help manufacturers mitigate risks associated with tariffs, long supply chains, and international shipping delays. The company also plans to leverage state-of-the-art equipment to offer customizable tape formats with consistent and repeatable performance.
Strategically located in Columbia, South Carolina, the facility benefits from access to interstate networks and nearby ports, providing efficient distribution channels to customers across the region. With its strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and customer-driven innovation, ATP’s North American expansion marks a pivotal step toward reinforcing its role as a global leader in solvent-free adhesive solutions.
