ST Namgoong: Leveraging on innovation and technology

Victrex is a leading global manufacturer of high performance polymers serving the transport, industrial and the electronics markets, as well as offering biomaterial solutions for the medical devices sector. One of its products is VICTREX Pipes?, a durable, lightweight pipe for use in harsh environments like the oil and gas, aerospace and industrial sectors. International Plastics News for Asia (IRNA) interviews Mr. ST Namgoong, the Asia Pacific Sales and Marketing Manager.

IRNA: Compared with 2011, what has Victrex achieved in 2012? What strategies have you carried out to bring about the good results?

Mr. Namgoong: In 2012, it was a truly successful year for Victrex globally. Victrex made great strides in terms of business growth, developing capabilities and strengthening our relationships with international and local business partners. We even broke the sales record when many companies faced plummeting sales. In 2013, we will continue to uphold our strong commitment to Asia Pacific especially in China, Korea and South Asia. Automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, electronics and oil & gas will be our focus market sectors to develop in these regions.

We think innovation and technology development are very important to make your company outstanding. Secondly, working c l o s e l y w i t h customers like a partnership and building win-win relationship with them, and selling solutions rather than products are also our secret weapons.

With the advancement of technology in polymers industry, the polymers products’ development process is becoming more and more complicated, and we are now more involved in our customers’ product development stage from the beginning. Our customers will take our advice on materials selection in their products design, and we will also work with them to run various tests of the materials to make sure it can help customers develop their unique products to win the markets.

Victrex will build a new plant to increase PEEK capacity in 2015, and the total annual production will be more than 7000MT. This is also a great decision to offer an enviable secure supply position to our customers and to meet the increased global demand of PEEK. In Japan and China, we have set up the Asia Innovation and Technology Centre (AITC) and Japan Technical Centre (JTC). They provide customers with expertise and support in materials specification, testing, research and application development. With low-carbon, eco-friendly and green energy as mission, Victrex will continue with double-digit growth to meet 7,000 tonnes production capacity and focus on the diversified markets.

IRNA: What are the key trends you have observed for polymer end-use and technology adoption?

Mr. Namgoong: Polymers will be adopted for metal replacement as industries require lightweight, more energy-saving solutions. In the electronics area, polymers need to fulfil the requirements regarding minisaturisation and design freedom. For semiconductor manufacturing processes, the direction moves towards more demanding cleanliness as the circuitries on the chips continue to shrink, the polymers need to minimise contamination. The oil & gas industries are moving to more harsh environments, such as high-temperature, corrosive environments, and the polymers need to address these needs.

IRNA: What innovative products have you launched? What can be expected in the field of technological breakthrough?

Mr. Namgoong: With the improvement in people’s living standards, customers are now paying more attention to eco-friendliness, long term reliability and energy saving. Developing lightweight, durable and eco-friendly materials solutions are a clear trend. Victrex haadidas