WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Invista, a unit of Koch Industries, plans to open a new manufacturing plant in McPherson to expand production of its Raptor nylon pipe for oil pipelines.

The Wichita Eagle reports the company will convert an existing building in McPherson for its operations, with production expected to begin in early spring.

About a dozen employees will be hired initially in McPherson but the company expects its workforce to grow.

Invista spokesman executive vice president Kurt Buremeister says establishing a production facility in Kansas will reduce delivery times to customers and help the company to respond to increasing demand for its product.

No incentives were sought for the project.

McPherson already has 17 or 18 plastics manufacturing-related businesses.