New VESTOPLAST production plant will increase Degussas APAO capacity in short term

New VESTOPLAST production plant will increase Degussas APAO capacity in short term

To meet the growing worldwide demand for high-quality hot melt adhesives, the Coatings & Colorants Business Unit of Degussa AG will increase the production capacity for VESTOPLAST, an amorphous poly-alpha-olefin (APAO). In addition to the three existing production lines at the Marl site, the business unit is planning a fourth line to increase the current capacity of 55,000 metric tons to approximately 75,000 metric tons. The investment of a double-digit million euro figure strengthens the global market position of the product group.

The new plant is scheduled to go into operation in 2005. Thanks to this additional plant, which will manufacture the product by means of a new technology, the current main areas of application can be extended significantly. Today VESTOPLAST is used in a broad range of applications and primarily serves as a basic material for the production of hot melts (e.g., for the hygiene sector, furniture industry and sports shoe production) as well as for bitumen modification in high-performance roofing membranes. The improved product from the new plant is characterized by altered properties with respect to softening point and viscosity. It makes it possible to modify plastics and can thus be used in a wide variety of new applications.

Degussa is a multinational corporation consistently aligned to highly profitable specialty chemistry. In fiscal 2003, its 47,000 employees generated sales of €11.4 billion and operating profits (EBIT) of € 878 million, making it Germany's third-largest chemical company and the global market leader in specialty chemicals. Innovative products and system solutions enable Degussa to play a valuable and indispensable role in the success of its customers, as summed up by our claim “creating essentials”.