Victrex plans 70% increase in production capacity for PAEK polymers

10-Oct-12

Victrex Polymer Solutions, the world leader in high performance polyaryletherketones (PAEK), has announced plans to increase production capacity by around 70% for its VICTREX® PAEK polymers reflecting confidence in the growth potential for global demand across a wide and growing range of applications in the transport, industrial and electronics sectors. This new capacity will add 2,900 metric tonnes (MT) of polymer output annually and will come on stream in early 2015. Total annual production of VICTREX PAEK polymers after completion will then stand at more than 7,000 MT per annum, an increase of around 70% on Victrex’s current capacity of 4,250 MT per annum. The increased capacity further reinforces Victrex’s policy of providing exceptional security of supply at a time when many other polymer manufacturers are struggling to meet customer demand. Victrex has a solid track-record of investing in capacity ahead of demand, creating an enviable secure supply position for its existing and new customers especially when market conditions create accelerated demand and growth. “In our industry, speed of response is vital to satisfy market demand,” said Roland Reber, Managing Director of Ensinger GmbH. “As our key supplier for PAEK polymers, Victrex has been an important partner in helping us to achieve our customers' needs, on time to exacting requirements. This announcement further reinforces Victrex’s capability to meet these critical aspects.” Victrex continues to grow its share in key market segments where its PAEK-based materials are deployed in a wide range of applications, helping its customers and end users to meet their burning unmet needs. For example, one critical challenge facing the Transport sector centers around enhanced fuel efficiency and reduction in CO2 emissions. With these key requirements as the backdrop, aerospace and automotive engineers specify lightweight, strong and versatile Victrex PAEK polymers to help reduce both weight and noise, and provide increased reliability with no compromises in the safety performance of their products. This material specification is further supported by business and purchasing managers who value the security of supply and integrated supply chain offered by Victrex for these long-term, high volume application platforms.