DuPont sells performance films division & Whitby, Ont. facility

DuPont Liquid Packaging Systems is selling its performance films business segment and its Whitby, Ont., operating facility to Exopack Performance Films Inc., an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a leading private investment firm located in Boca Raton, Florida.

The transaction is expected to close in November 2007, subject to regulatory approval. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

According to DuPont, the performance films operations focus on the production of Dartek nylon 6,6 cast film, a high-quality barrier film, and the Sclairfilm family of premium sealant films. These products are manufactured at the Whitby facility and used in a variety of packaging and industrial applications.

Under the terms of the sale, Exopack will offer employment to all employees involved inthe Whitby site operations including poly, nylon, finishing, laminations andmanufacturing support, as well as sales and sales support for the Sclairfilm and Dartekbusinesses.

This sale will enable us to strengthen our focus on our core business in dairy, liquid food and beverage packaging systems, said Doug Baker, global business director, DuPont Liquid Packaging Systems. In particular, we intend to accelerate the introduction of new product innovations and packaging technologies to meet customer needs and pursue emerging global market opportunities.

Headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., Exopack is a paper and plastic flexible packaging solutions manufacturer specializing in substrate development, film extrusion, printing, lamination, and converting of flexible packaging products.