Groupe Solmax bought its larger rival in late 2018 to grow in the geomembrane market. Now the Varennes, Quebec-based extruder is expanding again by opening a manufacturing facility in Nevada.
Six months after buying GSE Environmental Inc. to become the world's largest geosynthetics manufacturer, Solmax purchased a plant to produce blown polyethylene film that protects soil, water and air from waste and pollutants during mining, civil engineering and industrial jobs.
Solmax did not specify the exact site of the new facility.
Solmax also had its own manufacturing in Varennes, Houston and Malaysia, and from the GSE deal picked up another facility in Houston, as well as Kingstree, S.C.; Spearfish, S.D.; Germany; Thailand; China; and Egypt.
The Nevada plant should be fully operational by mid-2020, expanding Solmax's reach, capacity and skilled workforce.
"We continue to capitalize on the acquisition of GSE Environmental business, which proved to be highly successful in terms of profitability in 2018," Solmax President and CEO Jean-Louis Vangeluwe said in a news release. "By establishing a manufacturing base in [Nevada], we will decrease our lead time from the west, reinforce our competitive advantage and be able to lead the change by bringing to market innovative products that are more reliable, stronger and resistant to contaminants."
Solmax has customers in more than 60 countries, including developing countries that need reliable and affordable products to reduce the environmental impact of mines, industrial operations and civil projects on natural resources.
With estimated sales of $200 million, Solmax ranks No. 38 among North American film and sheet manufacturers, according to Plastics News' latest ranking.