By Cameron Chai
Bayer MaterialScience, a producer of polymers and high-performance plastics, has signed an agreement to acquire the polycarbonate sheet business of Arkema.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer MaterialScience will purchase the Tuffak line of sheet products used in markets, such as heavy equipment, transportation and aerospace. In addition, the acquisition includes production equipment that will be moved to Bayer MaterialScience’s sheet business in the NAFTA region.
Both the companies have signed a tolling agreement, under which Arkema will continue to manufacture the products for some months to deliver clients with a smooth transition. Bayer MaterialScience operates sheet production facilities in Italy, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, the U.S., Australia, Korea, India and China. Through the acquisition, Bayer MaterialScience will further reinforce its global polycarbonate sheet activities, as well as its position in the growing North American market. The global head of sheet business at Bayer MaterialScience, Thomas Karl Kastner, remarked that the purchase of Arkema’s operation will support the company’s strategic effort to make polycarbonate sheet as the preferred choice in the signage, mass transportation and security glazing markets.
Bayer MaterialScience has maintained a leadership position in innovation and production of quality extruded thermoplastic sheets for over 60 years. The company provides a wide array of Makrolon polycarbonate sheet products for various markets, including recreational, sign, industrial, transportation, security and architectural.
Source: http://www.materialscience.bayer.com/