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Solvay builds new PEEK speciality polymer resin unit in US

26 Feb '15

2 min read

Solvay Speciality Polymers, a Belgium chemical company, is building a new specialty polymers resin unit in the US, in order to expand its production capacity of PEEK (polyether etherketone).

The new unit, which is at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers site in Augusta, Georgia, is expected to come on stream in mid-2016 and, combined with the expansion already underway at the site in Panoli, India, would raise Solvay’s total PEEK neat resin production capacity to more than 2,500 metric tons worldwide. Collectively, Solvay is set to invest more than US$ 85 million in both the expansions, Solvay said in a statement.

The investments affirm Solvay’s long term commitment to the industry to keep pace with growing demand for the two ultra-polymers KetaSpire and AvaSpire, which play a major role in light-weighting, reducing energy consumption and in enabling high performance in demanding applications such as healthcare, electronics, oil & gas, aeronautics, and automotive.

Augusto Di Donfrancesco, president of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit (GBU) said, “This major expansion drive will make Solvay the only player in the industry to produce PEEK at two different sites in two different, growing regions. The new plant in the US together with the one in India will provide unmatched security of neat resin supply. These investments reinforce our long-term commitment to our customers worldwide.”

Solvay Specialty Polymers has the industry’s widest range of high and ultra-high performance polymers and these expansions will strengthen its position as a leader in speciality polymers. (GK)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India