Ascend Performance Materials has expanded production capacity for specialty nylon resins at its plant in Greenwood, S.C.
In a June 9 news release, officials with Houston-based Ascend said the multi-million-dollar expansion will help the company meet growing demand for its new product line of HiDura-brand long-chain nylons.
Ascend launched the HiDura line in November. The nylon 6/10 and 6/12 resins are used in a variety of consumer goods, industrial, renewable energy, automotive and electric vehicle applications.
HiDura business manager Kaan Gunes said in the release that the materials' exceptional ductility, UV weatherability and hydrolysis resistance give them "reliable, long-term performance in some of the harshest conditions." He cited applications in solar photovoltaic supports, battery seals and brush bristles to illustrate the versatility and durability of HiDura.
Officials added that Ascend used its extensive polymerization knowledge to expand capacity in Greenwood.
"We have been polymerizing [nylon 6/6] in Greenwood for decades," senior site director Michael Walters said. "Our people understand how to consistently produce high-performance, high-quality materials safely and were excited to see the success of HiDura build off their work."
Ascend is a leading producer of nylon 6/6 resins and compounds. The firm employs 2,600 and operates nine global locations, including five fully integrated manufacturing facilities in the southeastern U.S. and a compounding plant in the Netherlands.