Zyvex Performance Materials LLC, which specializes in integrating nanomaterials into thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, is relocating from Richardson, Texas, to Columbus.
Zyvex expects to move into a 26,000-square-foot plant and begin production within a month, said Lance Criscuolo, vice president of global sales and business manager.
The move puts the company closer to customers and suppliers, Criscuolo said in a July 13 telephone interview.
Zyvex Chairman David Heard told Ohio legislative and plastics industry officials June 5 the company will bring 19 employees to Ohio, with plans to employ 100 by 2010. Heard spoke at a one-day biannual Ohio legislative event sponsored by industry group PolymerOhio Inc. ``Ohio is perceived to be the No. 1 place to do what we do,'' he said.
Zyvex owner Jim Von Ehr split former parent company Zyvex Corp. into three separate business units in April - Zyvex Performance Materials, Zyvex Instruments and Zyvex Labs.
The company uses carbon nanotubes manufactured by Paris-based Arkema Group to strengthen various polymeric materials for its customers.
``We take everyday polymers like polycarbonates and nylons and make them stronger, tougher, electrically conductive, by incorporating these nanomaterials,'' Criscuolo said.
Zyvex claims to be the first molecular nanotechnology company.
The firm's customers include Poway, Calif.-based Aldila Inc. - a manufacturer of graphite golf shafts, and Van Nuys, Calif.-based Easton Sports, a maker of baseball and softball bats as well as hockey sticks and cycling equipment.
``The end result is a well-dispersed, highly compatible resin system,'' Criscuolo said.
The future of Zyvex and nanomaterials will include rapid technological advances in several industries, including aerospace, medical and consumer electronics.
``Nanotubes are considered expensive,'' Criscuolo said. ``Eventually, as the price really starts to come down, it will start to open up other applications and we'll see it in high volume.''