Solvay reinforces its presence and plans for more investments in specialty polymers

Solvay Solexis, a 100% subsidiary of the Solvay Group, today confirms that its new polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Micronized Powder plant currently under construction in Changshu, China, will be completed and operational in the first quarter of 2008. Solvay Solexis also confirms its intention to further develop its activities on the site, where it is considering producing other high value added fluorinated polymers.

The new PTFE plant is located in the Jiangsu High-Tech Fluorochemical Industrial Park in Changshu, some 100 kilometers west of Shanghai. The location was selected last year because of its proximity with Shanghai and the dedication of the Industrial Park to complex technologies in specialty chemicals and polymers - particularly in the area of fluor technologies.

Among the subsequent development projects considered in Changshu, Solvay Solexis is planning to build, an integrated production plant for the manufacturing of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for coating applications and related monomers.

PVDF resin, marketed under the Hylar® brand name, is used as a base material for long-life architectural coating systems for metal, glass, and other exterior surfaces, thanks to its extraordinary properties, that are particularly suited as a base for the most durable liquid coatings.

“Our geographical expansion into high growth markets such as China and India is an essential part of our strategy to grow Specialty Polymers business,” said Vincenzo Morici, General Manager, Strategic Business Unit Specialty Polymers.

“Beyond its strategic expansion goals, Solvay Solexis, through this new plan, confirms its endeavor to supply world class products to its local customers, with the advantages in terms reactivity and logistics that proximity can give,” comments Pierre Joris, CEO of Solvay Solexis.