By Cameron Chai
Arkema has acquired Casda Biomaterials, a key producer of sebacic acid in the world, and Hipro Polymers, a specialty biosourced polyamides 10.10 producer.
According to Thierry Le Hénaff, CEO and Chairman of Arkema, the company will have a huge development potential due to this acquisition. The acquisition will enable significant growth for its advanced polyamides. This acquisition will help Arkema to become the only chemical manufacturer in the globe in order to provide the complete series of polyamides 10, 11 and 12. The acquisition of these Chinese companies has been well-fitted with the growth plan of the Group for the past five years.
Arkema is reinforcing its main position in the production of biosourced polyamides, with the addition of Hipro Polymers’ PA10.10 to the previous highly performing polymer group. Currently, Arkema has a growth from 15 to 20% yearly. The company’s application knowledge and strong reputation will accelerate the growth of Hipro Polymers. The production of polyamide will be increased by three times at the Hipro Polymers’ location, near Shanghai, from mid-2012.
Integrated feedstock is benefiting Arkema in the PA10.10 production, along with Casda Biomaterials. Arkema will provide the products to the expanded global markets like corrosion-inhibiting additives, lubricants, and plasticizers, and biodegradable and biosourced polymers market. Since 2010, a new production line of Casda Biomaterials is functional that operates using a consistent and reliable process and is situated at an industrial zone to the south of Beijing.
Source: http://www.arkema.com/