Solvay SA is adding to its specialty sulfone resins business with expansions in Ohio and Georgia.
Solvay, based in Brussels with U.S. headquarters in Alpharetta, Ga., plans to increase capacity for Udel-brand polysulfones by more than 25 percent in Marietta, Ohio. The firm also will grow capacity for dichlorodiphenyl sulfone feedstock by more than 25 percent in Augusta, Ga.
In a news release, officials said the expansions also will include Veradel-brand polyether sulfones and Radel-brand polyphenyl sulfones. All of the expansions are expected to be completed by 2024.
"This new multi-year program marks an important step in our strategy for future growth and affirms our number one position in the U.S. sulfone polymers market," Materials President Carmelo Lo Faro said in the release.
"Essentially, the expansions will address the growth potential of our sulfone products in high-performance life-saving and life-sustaining areas, such as health care, water purification and pharma processing," he added.
Key market segments to benefit from these investments include hemodialysis, medical instruments, pharmaceuticals and water purification, officials said. They added that Solvay's sulfone polymers also play a growing role in residential and commercial heating and plumbing systems.
Solvay is a global supplier of plastics and specialty chemicals. The firm employs more than 23,000 worldwide and posted sales of $10.8 billion in 2020.