Solvay inaugurates PTFE Micronised Powder production plant in PRC

30-Sep-08

In a bid to strengthen its position in the Asian markets and serve the dynamic local demand for innovative and high performance materials, Solvay has inaugurated its new Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Micronised Powder production unit in the People's Republic of China. This is Solvay's second PTFE Micronised Powder production unit, the first facility being in Marshallton, Delaware, USA. Solvay is the only highly integrated PTFE Micronised Powder manufacturer with production units in both NAFTA and Asia. The new facility will allow Solvay to continue to use its patented technology and ability to customize products to meet the individual needs of its customers. The new Polymist® facility is in the Jiangsu High-Tech Fluorochemical Industrial Park in Changshu near Shanghai - and is managed by the operating units of Solvay Solexis, a fully-owned subsidiary of the Solvay Group. Solvay's PTFE Micronised Powders, marketed under the brand name Polymist®, are used in a range of complex applications, such as the manufacturing of cosmetics, high gloss inks, high performance lubricants and heat-resistant materials. The new plant is consistent with Solvay's geographical expansion strategy into fast growing markets. "Our geographical expansion into high growth markets such as China and India is an essential part of our strategy to grow the Specialty Polymers business," commented Vincenzo Morici, General Manager, Strategic Business Unit Specialty Polymers. "Deploying a local production capacity enables us to offer world class product and services to our local clients as well as to our global customers with all the advantages linked to proximity, in terms of logistics and reactivity," added Pierre Joris, CEO of Solvay Solexis. "This first plant is an important step in establishing a solid industrial platform and presence for our fluoromaterials in Asia". Other recent initiatives in Asia include the acquisition of the ultra performance polymers activities of Gharda Chemicals in Panoli, India; the creation of a high performance materials R&D and marketing platform in Shanghai, China; setting up a joint venture for the development, production and marketing of High Purity Hydrogen Peroxide in Suzhou, China and the commissioning of a new production facility for fluorinated chemical specialties in Onsan, South Korea.