Specialty materials firm Eastman Chemical Company is preparing to upgrade and expand the extrusion capabilities of its production facility in Springfield, MA to support production of polyvinyl butyl (PVB) interlayers product lines.

The project was initiated in response to increased regional and global demand for the company’s Saflex PVB products for automotive and architectural applications, according to the company.

“We are committed to supporting the growing global demand for specialty interlayers products, strengthening our regional service capabilities, and investing in asset capabilities to serve glass laminators’ needs for high-performing, high-quality products,” said Travis Smith, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s Films business, in a company release. “The trends in both automotive and architectural end-use markets are driving increased needs for high-performance interlayers products, and we are excited about the opportunities this investment creates to further enable our innovation-driven growth strategy.”

To produce Saflex interlayers, PVB films are laminated between two sheets of glass. The products are used in head-up display technology, solar control, sound reduction, safety, security, and UV protection.

The company expects the expansion to reach completion in the fourth quarter of this year.

Earlier this year, Eastman announced plans to invest $250 million in a new plastic-to-plastic recycling facility at its existing site in Kingsport, TN. That project is slated to finish in 2022.