Styrolution to begin construction for new alpha methyl styrene acrylonitrile line in Mexico

31-Oct-13

Styrolution announced plans to begin construction on a production line for alpha methyl styrene acrylonitrile (AMSAN) at its site in Altamira, Mexico. Styrolution uses AMSAN in its Luran® S acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) and high-heat Novodur® acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) products. The new production line will enable Styrolution to expand its product offering and increase supply reliability in the region. It will also position the company for further growth throughout the Americas as well as in key industries, such as automotive and construction. Production is set to start in the second quarter of 2014. Products which include AMSAN are known for their exceptional heat resistant characteristics and excellent aesthetics. These qualities make Styrolution’s AMSAN-based products, such as Luran S 778T, Novodur HH 106 & 112, and Luran HH 120, ideal for use in the automotive industry where applications demand premium appearance and performance at elevated temperatures. Another unique characteristic of AMSAN is its compatibility with other polymers, like PVC. The addition of AMSAN to PVC as a heat resistance modifier is especially important in the building and construction market for producers of siding, decking and fencing. Currently, AMSAN is currently imported by Styrolution to the region from its plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The new AMSAN line complements Styrolution’s production capacity in Europe, offering customers reliable local sourcing in the Americas. With this, Styrolution will then be the only producer of AMSAN in Europe and the Americas. Local production of AMSAN will allow Styrolution to offer new products in the Americas region, such as powdered versions of Luran HH 120 which offers easy blending with PVC and PVC compounds. Styrolution’s intention to start AMSAN production in Altamira aligns with the company’s business strategy, which calls for a shift to lend greater focus on measures that will expand its footprint in three key areas: styrenic specialties, emerging markets and higher-growth industries. The new plans for Altamira follow on the heels of an announcement by Styrolution and Braskem in early October 2013 where the two companies stated their intent to explore a joint venture to produce ABS and styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers in Brazil for the South American region.