DSM Dyneema has announced its decision to close its facility in Flaach

The Netherlands, December 21, 2011 - DSM Dyneema has announced its decision to close its facility in Flaach, Switzerland. The site was acquired in 2007 as part of the acquisition of Pamako A.G., and currently develops and produces Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMwPE) tape. Approx. 25 people are affected by this decision.

“It is with regret that we have taken this decision today for the people involved,” said Gerard de Reuver, President DSM Dyneema. “We have invested considerable resources in improving the technology and capabilities of the people involved over the last few years. With great support from our R&D team, the crew in Flaach has worked exceptionally hard to commercialize new products. The economics of the site were always a challenge. It is a very small site and the operational costs for a separate development facility have become unacceptable, especially in the current economic circumstances.” DSM is supporting all affected employees to find alternative employment.

Since acquiring the business, DSM Dyneema has extensively developed the process and commercialized the first UHMwPE tape grade for ballistic applications in 2008, with further products announced since then for several new applications including telecommunications. A major new tape manufacturing facility is approaching completion on the existing DSM Dyneema site in Greenville, N.C. in the US. Product supply capabilities will not be affected by this decision.

Source: DSM Dyneema