Florence, Ky.-based Fortron Industries LLC — a joint venture of Germany-based Ticona Engineering
Polymers and Japan-based chemical products manufacturer Kureha Corp. — has completed a three-year
capacity expansion project at its Wilmington, N.C., plant. The facility is now capable of producing
15,000 metric tons of Fortron® linear polyethylene sulfide (PPS) annually — double its previous
capacity. The Wilmington plant now is the world’s largest PPS plant, according to Fortron
Industries.
“The expanded plant is highly efficient and leverages the infrastructure and experienced
workforce in place in Wilmington,” said Fred Daniell, president, Fortron Industries. “It also is a
step forward in PPS production technology that incorporates Kureha’s advanced and environmentally
friendly ‘one-unit’ process. These investments demonstrate our commitment to anticipating the
market need for future supply and to meeting the developing application requirements of our
customers.”
According to Kureha, its one-unit process is an advanced and economically efficient method
utilized in the manufacture of linear PPS — the only PPS suitable for fiber and film production.
October 30, 2007
