THORNTON CLEVELEYS, UNITED KINGDOM: Victrex Polymer Solutions plans to increase production capacity by 70 per cent for its VICTREX polyaryletherketones (PAEK) polymers. This new capacity will add 2,900 metric tonne (MT) of polymer output annually and will come on stream in early 2015.
Total annual production of VICTREX PAEK polymers after completion will stand at more than 7,000 MT per annum, up from the current capacity of 4,250 MT per annum. The company is confident of the growth potential and global demand across a wide and growing range of applications in the transport, industrial and electronics sectors.
This new capacity investment follows recently reported sales results for Victrex’s financial year ending 30th September 2012. Sales volumes for the full year ended at 2,904 tonne, a new record, which combined with a strong, and vital pipeline of future applications, supports this key investment decision.
This record-breaking performance provides the backdrop to the decision to invest in the design and construction of this new, standalone and independent third Victrex plant to be located at the company’s headquarters in the UK. In addition, to support this expansion of production of VICTREX PAEK polymers, Victrex will also invest in uprating its integrated supply chain for the key raw material for the manufacture of PAEK polymers.
“Offering a consistent, reliable supply of high quality PAEK polymers ready for shipment to meet our existing and new customers’ needs both today and in the future is an integral part of our strategy and focus,” said Tim Cooper, Managing Director, Polymer Solutions, Victrex.
Some of the new developments at Victrex include composite structures that use innovative materials, such as high performance PAEK polymers and APTIV film, and they are gaining popularity among design engineers to help reduce weight and systems costs through parts consolidation.
© WOC News