In a move to gain wider access to metal replacement of larger automotive semi-structural parts, Belgium-based polymer maker Solvay has acquired the long-fibre thermoplastics (LFT) business unit of Epic Polymers GmbH.
Headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Epic Polymers GmbH has developed what Solvay calls “an innovative technology to reinforce high performance thermoplastic polymers with long glass fibres.”
“Having this technology is an important step in the expansion of Solvay Specialty Polymers’ broad offering of materials that are simultaneously light and ultra-performing,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, president of Solvay’s specialty polymers global business unit. “We will be able to provide larger semi-structural parts for the automotive sector, our key market, and develop expertise to apply LFT technology to core polymers, providing further possibilities for metal replacement in other markets such as transportation.”
Solvay Specialty Polymers’ products replace metal in an array of demanding automotive under-the-hood components such as hot air ducts, powertrains, engine control units, oil and water modules and conduits, while LFT are typically used to make interior/exterior semi-structural parts.
The terms of the purchase have not been disclosed.
