Solvay Specialty Polymers' new high-performance polymer plant to be located adjacent to Augusta facility

25-Feb-15

Solvay Specialty Polymers has chosen to build a new high-performance polymer plant next to its existing facility in Augusta. The Belgium-based company chose the south Augusta plastics plant over its sister facility in India, said Alain De Greef, Solvay’s site manager in Augusta, adding “Besides the reputation of this site, the good safety records and the quality, a big factor in the decision was the utilities cost. Basically, in the U.S. and particularly here in Augusta, we have some advantages.” De Greef, noting the low labor costs in India, said attracting Solvay to invest in its Augusta location was competitive. He said the Augusta Economic Development Authority and the Georgia Department of Economic Development were helpful in the process. Solvay’s plant at Clanton and Tobacco roads will be the first in the U.S. to manufacture the high-strength, fire- and chemical-resistant polymer. The plant should be fully operational in Q2-2016. Total capacity will ramp up to about 5.5 mln lbs including capacity at Panoli (India) and at Augusta.