Asia sees rising supply of highly engineered TPEs

Styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) are highly-engineered thermoplastic elastomers(TPEs ) that enhance the performance of numerous products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., through its operating subsidiary Kraton Polymers LLC, enjoys a leading position as global producer of engineered polymers. It recently announced its plans to expand in Asia and has initiated project assessment for the construction of a new hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC) plant. The assessment includes site-selection activities. Strong growth in Kraton's differentiated grades of HSBC's has created the need for additional manufacturing capacity in the region. The site-selection team is expected to make a recommendation by December this year, followed by a detailed cost-assessment by early 2011. Kraton anticipates seeking final Board of Directors' approval soon thereafter, whereupon construction of the plant would likely commence in the first half of 2012, with start-up occurring as early as the second half of 2013. The proposed 30 Kta HSBC manufacturing facility would employ Kraton's latest state-of-the-art technology for producing HSBC's, and should set a new global standard for manufacturing costs and product quality. "Kraton has built a strong presence in Asia, and such an investment would represent the next step to grow our position in the region--committing the necessary resources, technology and capital," said Mr. Kevin M. Fogarty, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The growth in application and technology development, using Kraton's styrenic block copolymers in Asia, continues to accelerate. This new plant should help facilitate this additional growth, demonstrating further our commitment to the region," he said. Additionally, Kraton has recently relocated its Shanghai, China office to a new facility, double the size of the previous location, to better accommodate on-going increase in staff capability, which has more than doubled in China since 2006. "This new office facility includes a multi-functional customer service centre and a dedicated training facility," added Mr. David A. Bradley, Kraton's Chief Operating Officer. "When combined with our expanded warehouse capacity in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone and our recent investments to enhance product packaging in China, we believe customers in the region will benefit from Kraton's commitment to further enhancing our service capability," he concluded. As a leading global producer of engineered polymers, Kraton continues its long-standing tradition of 'Giving Innovators Their Edge.' Its polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. It offers approximately 800 products to more than 700 customers in over 60 countries worldwide, and with manufacturing and service capabilities on four continents. Its plants are located in Belpre, Ohio, as well as plants in Germany, France and Brazil, and a joint venture plant operated in Japan. In addition to pioneering the development of styrenic block copolymers, the company has established itself as an innovator in this field over the past four decades. Its new family of styrenic block copolymers, the MD6705, G1643, and MD6717 grades, which are suitable for a wide variety of applications that demand superior qualities of softness, breathability, and elasticity, are a result of its intense R&D efforts and drive to develop innovative solutions in this sector. The company's innovative technology allows the block copolymer to effectively undergo high-speed processing without losing its most desired properties. It is also suitable for applications that require fewer processingNike