DSM acquires full ownership of NPC PA6 polymer facility
Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company
headquartered in the Netherlands, and Shaw Industries Group, Inc. announce today
that DSM has acquired full control of the PA6 polymerization facility of Nylon
Polymer Company LLC (NPC) in Augusta (Georgia, United States). Shaw Industries
and DSM Chemicals North America were previously joint venture partners in NPC.
As a result of the transaction, which has been closed, NPC is fully integrated
into DSM Engineering Plastics' activities as of 1 January 2010. Financial
details and terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.
For DSM Engineering Plastics the acquisition of the full ownership of the PA6
polymerization facility is an important step in its strategy to increase its
geographical footprint, including expansion into South America. It also allows
the company full integration in the PA6 chain, including caprolactam, polymer
and compounded products, in North America, supporting its strong commitment to
key customers in the Americas. Last year, DSM opened its first PA6
polymerization plant in China, making it the only company to produce the entire
PA6 chain in China.
Koen Devits, President of DSM Engineering Plastics Americas, says: "This
acquisition represents a major expansion of our polymerization capabilities in
the Americas. It helps us to fully exploit our strong backward integration at
the Augusta site, where DSM also produces caprolactam, a key raw material for
Akulon®. The acquisition is also needed to support the additional sales
opportunities we have generated, especially in the automotive, furniture and
packaging industries, and it illustrates DSM?s strong commitment to the Americas
market."
Richard Pieters, Global Business Director Akulon® PA6, comments: "We are very
excited about this acquisition as it will further reinforce our commitment to
global customers who want local supply and global support. North America will
remain a key specification and innovation area for DSM Engineering Plastics."
Akulon® Polyamide 6 (PA6) is a thermoplastic with outstanding mechanical
properties over a wide temperature range used in various everyday applications
such as automotive, luggage, sports, electronics, packaging films, lighting and
furniture. Caprolactam, produced by DSM Fibre Intermediates, is the raw material
for PA6, which gives DSM a unique position as an integrated producer of the
material. As a replacement of metal in various applications, Akulon® PA6 can
offer weight reduction to for instance the automotive industry, resulting in
lower CO2 emissions.
About Shaw Industries
Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is the
world's largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider with
more than USD 5 billion in annual sales and approximately 26,000 associates.
Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., the company manufactures and distributes
carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile for residential and
commercial applications worldwide. A recognized leader in environmental
stewardship, Shaw has implemented hundreds of sustainability initiatives and
cradle-to-cradle design solutions, collectively termed the Shaw Green Edge. For
more information, visit www.shawfloors.com
DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is one of the world's leading suppliers of quality
engineering thermoplastics providing customer value through sustainable
solutions that reflect the DSM People, Planet and Profit strategy. DSM
Engineering Plastics delivers innovative opportunities for customers who design
or produce electrical applications, electronic equipment, cars, barrier
packaging films as well as many mechanical and extrusion applications. These
markets are served with a broad portfolio of high-performance materials
including Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPC, Arnite® PBT and PET
polyesters, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stanyl® high heat 46
polyamides. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics introduced the first new
polymer of the 21st century: Stanyl® ForTii[TM]. DSM Engineering Plastics had
sales in 2008 of EUR 761 million with 1500 employees worldwide. More on:
www.dsmep.com .
DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and
Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM's products and
services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications,
supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End
markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care,
pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics,
life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and
employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the
Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext
Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com
For more information:
DSM Corporate Communications DSM Investor Relations
Herman Betten Hans Vossen
tel. +31 (0) 45 5782017 tel. +31 (0) 45 5782864
fax +31 (0) 45 5740680 fax +31 (0) 10 4590275
e-mail media.relations@dsm.com e-mailinvestor.relations@dsm.com
[HUG#1371002]
Press release-pdf: http://hugin.info/130663/R/1371002/335410.pdf
