St. Louis, MO, June 21, 2006--Focusing on two of its key growth businesses, Solutia Inc., today announced it is increasing manufacturing capacity for its polyamide 66 resins and compounds (PA66) at its Pensacola, Fla., plant, the world's largest integrated PA66 manufacturing facility.
The move will allow the company to respond to the significant increase in demand throughout the world, especially in China.
Solutia will increase the annual production capacity of its Vydyne and Ascend PA66 products by 32,000 metric tons (70 million pounds), beginning in the third quarter of this year. This is the first in a series of capacity expansions that will continue in 2007 and 2008.
Vydyne PA66 resins are used primarily in injection molding and extrusion applications in the automotive, consumer, electrical/electronic, and industrial markets. Ascend PA66 polymers are used primarily in the textile, carpet, and industrial fiber markets.
"This significant capacity expansion demonstrates Solutia's commitment to PA66 markets, and to meeting the emerging needs of our Vydyne and Ascend customers around the globe, particularly in the Asian region," says Nadim Qureshi, general manager, Nylon Plastics and Polymers, Solutia Inc. "Our customers recognize the value of our high-quality PA66 products and their consistent performance, and this increase will help ensure we continue to meet their supply needs."
To accomplish this series of capacity increases, Solutia is reconfiguring existing assets at its Pensacola plant. The plant's large scale and integrated structure make it the most efficient location for PA66 capacity expansion.
"By utilizing existing manufacturing resources, our plant is able to quickly implement production increases. We have developed a plan which allows us several further expansions, all at very competitive economics," said Craig Ivey, Pensacola plant manager. "Vydyne and Ascend are key brands within the Solutia family, and we're proud to participate in their growth."
