Solvay Specialty Polymers has started the production of KetaSpire PEEK and AvaSpire PAEK compounds at its China facility in Changshu, Jiangsu province.
Chris Wilson, senior vice-president of the ultra-performance materials business line, said it's “an exciting milestone” and represents the company's commitment to the local production and supply of these materials for the Chinese market and for the regions in general.
“This is a key investment that places these very high-quality innovative materials at the doorstep of our fast-growing customers in the region,” he said in a news release.
In addition, Solvay has established over the last two years new distribution centers in the Asian corridor, including Singapore, China, Japan, and South Korea.
The Changsu site was launched last July with an investment of 21 million euros.
KetaSpire PEEK is one of the industry's most chemically resistant plastics and offers strength, fatigue resistance, and a continuous-use temperature up to 240°C (464°F). Glass fiber-reinforced and carbon fiber-reinforced grades provide a wide range of performance options for demanding applications.
AvaSpire PAEK materials offer performance attributes at a lower cost than PEEK.