Compounding giant Hexpol Group is building its Hexpol TPE division through acquisition, a move that is prompting name changes for some of those purchased companies.
That is the case for Chicago-area Star Thermoplastic Alloys and Rubbers LLC, a company that Hexpol Group of Malmo, Sweden-based acquired in November 2023.
The name change from Star Thermoplastics to Hexpol TPE Americas LLC takes effect in January 2025.
"Rebranding to Hexpol TPE is a natural progression," said Mark Clayton, a Hexpol managing director.
Clayton had managed Hexpol TPE's company in Middleton, United Kingdom.
"This isn't about making drastic changes, but rather about honoring our legacy while advancing to the next stage of our evolution," he said. "We remain committed to delivering the high-quality products and exceptional support our customers have come to rely on."
Star Thermoplastics was founded in 1993 and based in Broadview, Ill. Hexpol purchased it in 2023.
Hexpol TPE operates from six locations in Sweden, the U.K., Germany, China and the U.S. with a global production capacity of more than 110,000 metric tons.
Hexpol has made gains in sustainability in its processes over recent years, enabling the move away from virgin fossil fuels and working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"This transition unifies the company's brand under the Hexpol TPE identity, enabling greater consistency across markets. It allows us to provide a comprehensive portfolio of TPE technologies and resources to better serve our customers worldwide," Clayton said.