In anticipation of growth in both the automotive and architectural markets, US chemicals group Solutia is investing considerable resources in plant expansions and quality improvements which will stren…
In anticipation of growth in both the automotive and architectural markets, US chemicals group Solutia is investing considerable resources in plant expansions and quality improvements which will strengthen its Performance Films business unit. According to Solutia, the investments will help meet growing market demands for its Saflex polyvinyl butyral (PVB) product line. “We are aggressively preparing ourselves to meet these increased demands, and our commitment is to deliver the best value in PVB in the marketplace to our customers,” stated Vicki Holt, vice president and general manager, Performance Films at Solutia. Solutia has already implemented upgrade projects designed to improve both product quality and operational reliability at its Saflex plant in San Jose dos Campos, Brazil. And at the company“s plant in Springfield, Massachusetts, US, the company intends to increase its Saflex production capacity to meet the growing global demand for windscreens with a shaded band. Increased production should begin in early 2002, says Solutia. The Springfield plant will also significantly increase its production capacity for Saflex SV PVB, which is specially formulated for the vacuum bag and ring lamination processes. Solutia claims that the investments will result in a 20% increase in global production capacity over the next five years.