DuPont, Wilmington, Del., and Haci
Omer Sabanci Holding A.S., Turkey, announced that their joint venture in greater Europe for
polyester fiber, resins and intermediates started as planned on January 1, 2000.
The new company, known as DuPontSA, develops, makes and sells polyester filament, staple
resins, intermediates and related products for markets throughout the Europe, the Middle East and
Africa.
According to DuPontSA, the company will generate $1 billion in revenues and employ 4,500
people.
“We are commencing operations at an opportune time, when the industry is beginning a
turnaround from the very difficult circumstances it has experienced over the past two years,” said
P.W. Kery Kehoe, CEO, DuPontSA.
“The joint venture combines the strengths of its two partners — the operations and know-how
of Sabanci and the technology prowess and branding of DuPont.
“We are also uniquely situated geographically in the region to offer customers not only the
broadest product line in polyester, but superior service. Our challenge is to establish margins
that allow the reinvestment necessary to keep the industry healthy.”
The joint venture includes DuPont’s PTA (pure terephtalic acid) and resins businesses at
Wilton, United Kingdom. It also includes DuPont’s Dacron® filament and staple businesses at
Pontypool, United Kingdom.
Sabanci’s polyester subsidiary SASA, with its businesses in polyester filament, staple,
resins, bottles and DMT (dimethyl terephthalate), other sites in Turkey and the Sabanci texturizing
plant in Garforth, United Kingdom, are also included in the venture.
DuPontSA will have full access to DuPont polyester technology development and brand
management resources, including Dacron, Coolmax® and Melinar®.
February 2000
