Victrex plc (Thornton Cleveleys, U.K.; www.victrex.com) announced that it has acquired Zyex (Stonehouse, U.K.), a recognized global leader in the manufacture of PEEK (polyetheretherketone) based fibers, principally for the aerospace, automotive, and industrial markets. The move further enables Victrex to offer differentiated PEEK-based solutions to open-up new markets, in line with its strategy. This is now strengthened with additional fiber products, application expertise and resources from the Zyex team to develop new and existing solutions for customers.
Zyex is a well-established and long-standing customer of Victrex and like Victrex, Zyex was formed out of ICI. The two companies coming together is a natural evolution. The complementary strengths of Zyex and Victrex will create a world class supplier of PEEK fibers. Beyond opportunities from developing new and existing applications, the investment will also enable Victrex to explore the potential of additive manufacturing within the fibers area, building on the additive manufacturing consortium announced in 2016.
David Hummel, Chief Executive of Victrex, said: “The acquisition of Zyex is compelling for Victrex, enabling us to drive future growth opportunities within well-aligned markets and developing application areas. The company´s capabilities and the teams´ expertise will further complement our product offering. While Zyex is well-established, Victrex’s global reach, innovation focus and proven track record of building new markets offers an attractive opportunity to further develop the business over the coming years. This is in line with our strategy to offer selected and differentiated semi-finished product forms and parts for our customers, building on our core polymer offering.” Zyex´s product range focuses on PEEK polymer based fibers for applications such as process belting, filtration or wiring harnesses, with manufacturing facilities in Gloucestershire, UK.