Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) announced that the Methacrylates Business Line of Evonik Cyro LLC has commenced operation of an additional line for compounding its ACRYLITE polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at its site in Osceola, Ark. The expansion nearly doubles the compounding capacity of the specialty molding compounds produced at this site. The Business Line is the only PMMA manufacturer in the world that has fully integrated MMA/PMMA production networks with downstream compounding in the Americas, Europe, and Asia and intends to build on that strength by offering locally produced specialty molding compound products in each region.
The startup of this new compounding line demonstrates the commitment of the Molding Compounds business to supporting the increasing demand in the Americas region for specialty acrylic-based compounds such as impact modified, piano black or diffusion grades,” says Siamak Djafarian, head of Molding Compounds Product Line within Evonik’s Performance Materials Segment. “This new line will support the global approach of Molding Compounds with a regional reach which is essential in key industries such as Automotive and Lighting.”
“Demand for ACRYLITE molding compounds continues to grow in the U.S., Mexico, and South America,” adds Jack Chenault, head of the Americas region for the Performance Materials Segment. “We want to be able to deliver our high-quality products and services to our customers in the most competitive and reliable way and help them meet their growing needs. With this additional compounding line, we are investing in a market that continues to show positive development and promises strong growth potential.”
Evonik announced in January 2018 its plans to add the additional compounding line. “We are excited about the addition of this new line and the capacity it brings for our customers,” said Jim Bunn, plant manager at the Osceola site. “Our team worked hard to bring this project to fruition in a safe and timely manner, and our fully integrated MMA/PMMA production networks are now even stronger.”