Solvay has started works related to expansion plans that include installing equipment to increase sulfone polymers capacity at its plant in Marietta, Ohio, according to a mid-May publication by the USW Oil Workers union, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.
“Local 14200 President Gregory May said the company (Solvay) has not said how many workers it will hire as a result of the expansion, but unionized contractors and USW workers will be installing the new equipment,” according to the release. The Marietta expansion will increase capacity with completion scheduled within two years of one of its sulfone polymers products, polysulfone, which is a rigid, high-strength plastic pellet, it said.
Sulfone polymers are transparent plastics that can withstand prolonged exposure to water, chemicals and heat. Solvay announced in February 2021 a multi-year plan to increase sulfone polymers capacity. “First steps in this initiative will add more than 25% of capacity for both Udel polysulfones and basic dichlorodiphenyl sulfone at the company’s production sites in the U.S. by 2024,” Solvay said at the time.
“This new multi-year program marks an important step in our strategy for future growth and affirms our number one position in the U.S. sulfone polymers market,” said at the time Carmelo Lo Faro, president of Solvay's Materials segment.
Sulfone products have uses in healthcare, water purification and pharmaceutical. Key applications include hemodialysis.
As per MRC, Solvay, a leading global supplier of specialty polymers, announces the production of the new generation solvent Rhodiasolv IRIS, with eco-friendly properties. Previously manufactured in China, this solvent will now be produced from 2023 onwards at Solvay's Melle site, France.
We also remind that in August, 2020, through the acquisition of the Solvay polyamide (PA) business, BASF enhanced its R&D capabilities in Asia Pacific with new technologies, technical expertise, and upgraded material and part testing services. BASF is planning to integrate the R&D centers from Solvay into its R&D existing facilities in Shanghai, China, and Seoul, Korea. The enhanced capabilities will boost BASF’s position as a solution provider to develop advanced material solutions for key industries.
Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. With more than 24,100 employees in 64 countries, Solvay bonds people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. The Group seeks to create sustainable shared value for all, notably through its Solvay One Planet plan crafted around three pillars: protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering better life. The Group’s innovative solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices, health care applications, water and air purification systems. Founded in 1863, Solvay today ranks among the world’s top three companies for the vast majority of its activities.
mrchub.com