Armacell LLC has expanded its foam product range through an agreement with Cellect LLC.
With a deal inked July 2, Armacell bought Cellect's blown polypropylene foam business, including the trade name PropaCene. The pact also includes a long-term licensing agreement on certain technology. Terms were not disclosed.
In a separate transaction, the firms selected a global supply arrangement for Armacell to market, sell and distribute Cellect's irradiated sheet foams under the trade name I-Cell.
An Armacell spokesman said PropaCene represents a new area of business for his company.
``It's seen as the next step in polyolefin foams,'' he said. It complements Armacell's lineup of polyethylene and elastomeric foams.
PropaCene can be used in markets ranging from automotive water shields to food packaging. Key benefits include that it is thermoformable and recyclable. It is made using isobutane and other blowing agents. Size of the acquired business was not disclosed.
``PropaCene is a truly green polyolefin foam, in that it is fully recyclable and is manufactured using physical blowing agents,'' said Jim Mars, head of Armacell's North American operations, in a news release. Use of physical blowing agents reduces the amount of energy needed in manufacturing, Armacell said.
The I-Cell foams also complement Armacell's product line, the spokesman said. In North America, Armacell will market, sell and distribute the irradiated sheet foam products, as well as material for certain applications. Outside North America, Armacell will sell I-Cell for all applications and products.
I-Cell foams can be based on polyethylene, PE blends with ethylene vinyl alcohol or other materials, polypropylene and proprietary blends. They have improved properties suited to a range of engineered applications.
``Armacell's global sales network and vast resources are the best way to grow our differentiated technology,'' Scott Smith, Cellect president and chief executive officer, said in the release. Cellect is based in St. Johnsville, N.Y., and employs about 100.
Armacell's U.S. office is in Mebane, N.C. The company makes technical foams for insulation, automotive, electronic, athletic and appliance industries. Parent company Armacell International GmbH of Munster, Germany, operates 20 factories in 13 countries.