19 Oct 2016

Solvay to build Technyl® compounding unit in Mexico to serve regional and North American markets

LYON, France, Oct. 19, 2016– Solvay, a world leader in polyamide-based performance materials, is building a Technyl® polyamide compounding unit in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with initial annual capacity of 10KT. This new facility is expected to become operational in the third quarter of 2017 to serve the region’s and America’s growing automotive and consumer goods markets.
 
Mexico is the second largest producer of automobiles and commercial vehicles in the Americas and is ranked seventh worldwide with annual production exceeding 3,5 million units in 2015 (1). In addition, many consumer goods and electrical equipment players are located close by, offering new opportunities for Solvay.
 
“This new plant will help us to support our fast growing Technyl® polyamide business in North America, in addition to our current capabilities,” states Vincent Kamel, President of Solvay. “Many of the world’s top automotive OEMs are located in the region, which makes it an ideal base for us to serve both local and U.S. markets and contribute with our solutions to cleaner mobility.”
 
To minimize investment cost and time to market, Solvay is partnering with Chunil Engineering, one of its major customers. Solvay is planning additional investments to serve the NAFTA (2) market.
 
“Our collaboration with Chunil Engineering – a global automotive tier 1 – enables us to optimize the site’s infrastructure including the use of power, water and waste treatment,” explains Peter Browning, General Manager of Solvay’s Engineering Plastics Business Unit. “As our business develops we will expand this modular 10KT unit’s capacity to meet the rapidly growing needs of our customers in the region.”
 
Solvay supports customers worldwide with a complete array of advanced services designed to speed the development of new applications, from material characterization to application validation. This offering includes 3D printing of functional prototypes in Sinterline® PA6 powders, predictive simulation with MMI® Technyl® Design as well as part testing at fully equipped APT® Technyl® Validation centers.
 
® Registered trademark of Solvay
1 http://www.oica.net/category/production-statistics/
2 North America Free Trade Agreement
 

About Solvay Engineering Plastics Business Unit

Solvay Engineering Plastics Business Unit is the global specialist in polyamide-based engineering plastics, with more than 60 years of experience in the development, manufacture and marketing of a complete range of high-performance materials under the Technyl® brand for demanding applications in automotive, consumer goods and electrical markets. With a growth strategy bolstered by six production sites worldwide, the Business Unit employs its expertise and innovation capabilities in order to serve the needs of its customers more closely through a global network of technical and R&D centers.

Learn more about the Technyl® brand at www.technyl.com and follow us on Twitter @Technyl

About Solvay

An international chemical and advanced materials company, Solvay assists its customers in innovating, developing and delivering high-value, sustainable products and solutions which consume less energy and reduce CO2 emissions, optimize the use of resources and improve the quality of life. Solvay serves diversified global end markets, including automotive and aerospace, consumer goods and healthcare, energy and environment, electricity and electronics, building and construction as well as industrial applications. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with about 30,900 employees spread across 53 countries. It generated pro forma net sales of €12.4 billion in 2015, with 90% made from activities where it ranks among the world’s top 3 players. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB:BB– Reuters: SOLB.BR).