In order to seek a larger foothold in Asia, fiber manufacturer Invista, of Wichita, Kan., has begun producing nylon yarn for airbags at a plant in China. Invista accounts for nearly 50 percent of the global airbag yarn market. The yarn that is called nylon is an essential ingredient in airbags and seat belts.

A production plant in China puts Invista closer to Asian growth markets. Invista’s project manager, Phil Webster, was brought in to oversee construction of the plant, having had a similar role at Invista’s two other airbag yarn plants in Gloucester, England, and Kingston.