DSM acquires polymerization facility

Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company headquartered in the Netherlands, and Shaw Industries Group, Inc. have acquired full control of the PA6 polymerization facility of Nylon Polymer Company LLC (NPC) in Augusta, Ga.

“As a result of the transaction, NPC now fully integrated into DSM Engineering Plastics’ activities as of 1 January 2010,” said Koen Devits, president of DSM Engineering Plastics Americas.

Shaw Industries and DSM Chemicals North America were previously joint venture partners in NPC.

The acquisition of the full ownership of the PA6 polymerization facility is an important step in DSM’s strategy to increase its geographical footprint, Devits said, including expansion into South America. “It also allows the company full integration in the PA6 chain, including caprolactam, polymer and compounded products, in North America, supporting its strong commitment to key customers in the Americas,” he added. “The acquisition is also needed to support the additional sales opportunities we have generated, especially in the automotive, furniture and packaging industries, and it illustrates DSM’s strong commitment to the Americas market.”

Last year, DSM opened its first PA6 polymerization plant in China, making it the only company to produce the entire PA6 chain in China, the company claimed.

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.