May 29 2008
Solutia Inc. today announced that its Flexsys subsidiary is seeking to expand its Crystex(r) insoluble sulfur manufacturing capacity in the Asia-Pacific region and is currently evaluating sites to determine the most suitable location. Flexsys presently has seven plants worldwide that produce Crystex insoluble sulfur, including facilities in Kuantan, Malaysia, and Kashima, Japan.
"Flexsys is strengthening its commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. The Asian market, specifically China and India, continues to be an important and rapidly growing market for Flexsys," said Jim Voss, president of Flexsys and senior vice president of Solutia Inc. "Expanding in the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates our strong commitment to our customers to provide more localized service, support, and delivery of our products." He added, "We will continue to invest in capacity expansions and new technology to provide our customers with the innovative products that they have come to expect from Flexsys."
Global demand for tyres continues to rise around the world. It is estimated that by 2010, global annual tyre production will reach 1.7 billion, up from 1.4 billion in 2005. Asia has become an increasingly important center for tyre production based on strong local demand and as an exporter to other world areas. Most of that growth in Asia comes from China and India.
"We want to help our customers seize the enormous opportunity in this region," said Tim Wessel, vice president of Crystex and Antidegradants, Flexsys. "We are seeing increased demand for our Crystex HD (High Dispersion) grade of insoluble sulfur. In order to meet the long-term needs of our customers, we will be investing in additional capacity."
Crystex insoluble sulfur is the vulcanizing agent of choice for critical applications in the tyre industry, providing the highest level of quality and performance. In addition, Crystex HD insoluble sulfur offers tyre manufacturers improved productivity and safety in their manufacturing processes.
Flexsys products play an essential role in the manufacturing of tyres and other rubber products, such as belts, hoses, seals, and footwear. Flexsys is a global business with offices, manufacturing facilities and technology centers around the world. Flexsys has annual sales of over $650 million, about two-thirds of which take place outside the United States.