Longtime cellulosics maker Rotuba Extruders Inc. has expanded its product offerings by purchasing a line of compounds from Albis Plastics GmbH.
No purchase price was disclosed in the deal between Rotuba of Linden, N.J., and Hamburg, Germany-based Albis. The transaction covers formulations, customer lists and ``minimal equipment'' for Albis' full line of specialty cellulosic compounds, Rotuba President and Chief Executive Officer Adam Bell said in a telephone interview.
Bell said there was little competition between Rotuba and Albis and that the acquisition rounds out Rotuba's product lineup. The compounds brought Albis annual sales of less than $5 million, according to Bell.
Rotuba already has begun making the acquired Albis compounds at its 100,000-square-foot plant in Linden, which employs 120.
Rotuba has produced cellulose acetate since 1955 and claims to be the world's largest independent producer of the material. It also claims to be the world's largest custom scent compounder of cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The privately held firm does not disclose financial data.
Typical applications for cellulosic polymers include medical devices, specialty cosmetic packaging, tool handles, fishing lures and many sports and leisure items. Cellulosic resins are derived from soft woods, allowing them to absorb and retain scents better than other types of plastic.
The move is the most recent North American downsizing for Albis. Earlier this year, Albis closed a compounding plant in Rosenberg, Texas, with 170 employees and 13 extrusion lines. The firm also sold its North American resin distribution business to Dublin, Ohio-based Ashland Distribution in May 2005.