Teknor Apex acquires German compounder PTS

Teknor Apex Company has acquired Plastic-Technologie-Service (PTS), a custom compounder of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and engineering thermoplastics (ETPs) based in Germany. The deal, for an undisclosed amount, became final on March 31.

PTS operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Steinsfeld, Germany. The plant has more than 20,000 tons of installed capacity as well as a technical support facility. A marketing office, located 10 kms away in Tauberzell, includes facilities for training, seminars and areas where staff and customers can discuss possible solutions for automotive, electrical, consumer product and other applications. The company has more than 100 employees.

PTS has a diverse product portfolio - TPEs that include block copolymers based on a number of polymer chemistries, TPVs, and polymer blends. ETPs include several types of polyamide plus PBT, polycarbonate (PC), and PC / ABS blends.

PTS is well known for innovation and is the European leader in developing ‘hard/soft’ solutions that combine elastomers with rigid polymers, according to Suresh Swaminathan, senior vice president in charge of the global TPE business of Teknor Apex. The compounder is expected to bring in a range of unique technologies and service capabilities to the Teknor Apex business.

Among proprietary specialties of PTS is a hard/soft technology for over-molding TPEs onto polar ETP substrates, such as nylon and acetal, and producing a durable bond. Another specialty is radiation-crosslinked grades of ETPs and TPEs.

Jonathan Fain, Chairman and CEO of Teknor Apex

For the past year, PTS has manufactured TPE and ETP compounds for Teknor Apex under a tolling agreement. Now, the PTS compounding facility at Steinsfeld becomes the second manufacturing site in Europe for Teknor Apex, which already compounds TPEs at a facility in Genk, Belgium. Teknor Apex also produces compounds at locations in the USA, Singapore, and China.

Jonathan Fain, Chairman and CEO of Teknor Apex said that the acquisition of PTS is a natural fit in the strategic vision of Teknor Apex to support the market with a global footprint and local presence.

PTS was founded in 1986 by Uwe Stenglin, who will continue in his role as managing director. As a subsidiary of Teknor Apex, PTS will continue to supply products under its existing brands.