A new US plant will triple its capacity for polyethersulphone

Solvay is to build a new sulphone polymer plant in the US, nearly tripling its polyethersulphone (PES) capacity.

The new unit – whose location has not been disclosed – will be commissioned in 2006 at a cost of over $50m (E37m). The unit will be able to produce the Radel product range, Solvay said.

Sulphone polymer global business director Doug Brademeyer said: “The new unit will position us to support growing global markets such as automotive lighting, telecommunications, and food service. Plus, it will provide us greater opportunity to explore and develop new markets and applications in the future on a competitive basis.”

Specialty polymers strategic business unit general manager Vincenzo Morici said: “With the successful acquisition and integration of Ausimont’s and BPAmoco specialty activities, Solvay has built a world leadership position in high performance polymers.”