MOSCOW (MRC) -- Solvay, the leading global supplier of specialty polymers, has announced that it expects to increase global production capacity for its high-performance sulfone polymers by more than 35% over the next five years through significant investments and process optimizations at facilities in the U.S. and Asia, said the producer in its press release.
The company, whose portfolio includes Udel polysulfone (PSU), Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and Veradel polyethersulfone (PESU), has already added more than 12,000 metric tons over the past decade through similar measures.
"Solvay is the founding innovator of sulfone polymers with the introduction of Udel® PSU more than 50 years ago," said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit. "We take great pride in our legacy and leadership position and, today, we are committed to continue investing in our production with the aim of meeting growing industry demand and better serving our customers worldwide."
In addition to producing sulfone polymers at its facilities in Marietta, Ohio, USA, and Panoli, India, Solvay is back-integrated, producing sulfone monomer at Panoli as well as its plant in Augusta, Ga., USA, to ensure security of supply for its customers in fast-growing markets.
A global leader in sulfone polymer and monomer production, technical support and innovation, Solvay serves customers in highly competitive industries, such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products, construction, electrical/electronics, healthcare and filtration membranes.
As MRC reported earlier, in May 2016, Solvay signed a definitive agreement with Brazilian chemical group Unipar Carbocloro to sell its 70.59% stake in Solvay Indupa. "Solvay’s divestment of Indupa follows our announced early exit of our European PVC joint venture as Solvay is transforming into a specialty chemicals group," said Vincent De Cuyper, member of Solvay’s Executive Committee. "In acquiring Solvay Indupa, Unipar will strengthen its strategic position in the caustic soda and chlorine value chain extending its chemical footprint in PVC and allowing for the further development of Indupa."
The transaction is based on a total enterprise value of USD 202.2 million, which shall be subject to customary adjustments. Completion of the transaction is subject to the customary closing conditions, including antitrust approval.
Created in 1948, PVC and caustic soda producer Solvay Indupa has 956 employees and two production sites in Brazil and Argentina. Indupa, with a manufacturing capacity of more than 500,000 tpa of PVC, runs facilities at Santo Andre, Brazil, and Bahia Blanca, Argentina.
Solvay, with a market share 27%, is the second largest PVC manufacturer in Europe, after Kerling with 29% of the market. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with about 30,900 employees spread across 53 countries.
MRC