Strategic measures drive growth and profitability
Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt, Germany – February 25, 2014 – In order to further strengthen its polystyrene (PS) business in North America, Styrolution today announced it plans to consolidate PS capacity in the region. In addition, Styrolution will accelerate growth in styrenic specialties through an expansion of its offering for high-performance transparent styrenics, by providing local supply in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Part of Styrolution's Triple Shift growth strategy, these measures will further enhance the company's position as the global leader in styrenics.
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Styrolution expands offering for high-performance transparent specialties:
Delivering local supply of transparent specialties in EMEA
By the end of third quarter of 2014, Styrolution will commence production of high-performance transparent specialty, NAS (SMMA) at the company's plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Currently, NAS is supplied to the EMEA region from Indian Orchard and compounded locally into the transparent product Zylar. In addition to local supply, customers will also benefit from dedicated service teams that offer expertise in selected focus industries, technical support, regulatory services and certifications.
NAS to be produced at Decatur, Alabama site
Styrolution plans to shift NAS production from Indian Orchard, Massachusetts to its site in Decatur, Alabama where the company will convert a general purpose polystyrene line into a swing line to also produce NAS. The Decatur site's modern infrastructure, excellent rail and road access, and proximity to commercial shipping lines on the Tennessee River will offer customers continued supply reliability. The transfer of NAS production from Indian Orchard to Decatur is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter, 2014.
A strong commitment to secure supply options: Styrolution is committed to providing customers additional supply options for both specialty and standard products from at least two sites. Offering local supply of NAS and Zylar in EMEA and the Americas is one of several expanded supply options announced over the past 18 months. These options include availability of Luran S grades from Styrolution's Ulsan, South Korea, Altamira, Mexico and Ludwigshafen sites; AMSAN-based, high-heat (HH) products, such as Luran HH and Novodur HH grades from the company's sites in Altamira and Ludwigshafen; and a proposed joint venture with Braskem to produce ABS and SAN specialties in Brazil.
Alignment with Styrolution's Triple Shift growth strategy: Styrolution's Triple Shift growth strategy, calls for a focus on styrenic specialties and Standard ABS, emerging markets and higher-growth industries. The initiatives announced today strengthen Styrolution's global position in styrenic specialties while improving production efficiencies for polystyrene in North America.
Styrolution expands offering for high-performance transparent specialties:
Delivering local supply of transparent specialties in EMEA
By the end of third quarter of 2014, Styrolution will commence production of high-performance transparent specialty, NAS (SMMA) at the company's plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Currently, NAS is supplied to the EMEA region from Indian Orchard and compounded locally into the transparent product Zylar. In addition to local supply, customers will also benefit from dedicated service teams that offer expertise in selected focus industries, technical support, regulatory services and certifications.
NAS to be produced at Decatur, Alabama site
Styrolution plans to shift NAS production from Indian Orchard, Massachusetts to its site in Decatur, Alabama where the company will convert a general purpose polystyrene line into a swing line to also produce NAS. The Decatur site's modern infrastructure, excellent rail and road access, and proximity to commercial shipping lines on the Tennessee River will offer customers continued supply reliability. The transfer of NAS production from Indian Orchard to Decatur is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter, 2014.
A strong commitment to secure supply options: Styrolution is committed to providing customers additional supply options for both specialty and standard products from at least two sites. Offering local supply of NAS and Zylar in EMEA and the Americas is one of several expanded supply options announced over the past 18 months. These options include availability of Luran S grades from Styrolution's Ulsan, South Korea, Altamira, Mexico and Ludwigshafen sites; AMSAN-based, high-heat (HH) products, such as Luran HH and Novodur HH grades from the company's sites in Altamira and Ludwigshafen; and a proposed joint venture with Braskem to produce ABS and SAN specialties in Brazil.
Alignment with Styrolution's Triple Shift growth strategy: Styrolution's Triple Shift growth strategy, calls for a focus on styrenic specialties and Standard ABS, emerging markets and higher-growth industries. The initiatives announced today strengthen Styrolution's global position in styrenic specialties while improving production efficiencies for polystyrene in North America.
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ABOUT INEOS STYROLUTION
INEOS Styrolution is the leading, global styrenics supplier with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialties. With world-class production facilities and more than 85 years of experience, INEOS Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering the best possible solution, designed to give them a competitive edge in their markets. The company provides styrenic applications for many everyday products across a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, toys/sports/leisure, and packaging. In 2015, sales were at 5 billion euros. INEOS Styrolution employs approximately 3,100 people and operates 15 production sites in nine countries.