A local maker of custom adhesives is planning an expansion.

3 Sigma plans to add what will be a 14th production coating line to its Troy operation. This follows an expansion four years ago that doubled the size and capacity of the West Stanfield Road operation, the company said in a statement.

The new line will produce adhesive coatings, with multiple coating heads, letting workers apply more than one type of coating, usually on paper and film, said Terry Cudney, 3 Sigma marketing director. The new line will be used for making sticky note adhesives, package reclosure strips, coupon stocks and more, he said.

And the expansion will mean new jobs. Cudney said 3 Sigma today has about 65 local employees, but with the expansion, there is a possibility of hiring six to 10 more by the third quarter of 2011.

The investment in the new line will be $1.5 million, he said. Work on the project is scheduled to start early in 2011, being completed in the year’s third quarter.

“After weathering the recent industry downturn, 3 Sigma is poised for additional growth and anticipates significant business increases in 2011 and 2012, due to several major new strategic projects,” Tony Rowley, 3 Sigma vice president of operations, said in the company’s statement.

Founded in 1980, 3 Sigma makes pressure sensitive materials, adhesive strips, labels and other products. Its customers have included General Motors, Walmart, Target and others.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.