Victrex constructs new plant to boost capacity for its VICTREX PAEK Polymers

This new capacity will add 2,900 metric tonnes (MT) of polymer output annually and will come on stream in early 2015. Total annual production of VICTREX PAEK polymers after completion will then stand at more than 7,000 MT per annum, an increase of around 70% on Victrex’s current capacity of 4,250 MT per annum.

The increased capacity further reinforces Victrex’s policy of providing exceptional security of supply at a time when many other polymer manufacturers are struggling to meet customer demand. This new capacity investment follows recently reported sales results for Victrex’s financial year ending 30th September 2012. Sales volumes for the full year ended at 2,904 tonnes, a new record, which combined with a strong, and vital pipeline of future applications, supports this key investment decision.

This record-breaking performance provides the backdrop to the decision to invest in the design and construction of this new, standalone and independent third Victrex plant to be located at the company’s headquarters in the UK. In addition, to support this expansion of production of VICTREX PAEK polymers, Victrex will also invest in uprating its integrated supply chain for the key raw material for the manufacture of PAEK polymers.

Victrex continues to grow its share in key market segments where its PAEK-based materials are deployed in a wide range of applications, helping its customers and end users to meet their burning unmet needs. For example, one critical challenge facing the Transport sector centers around enhanced fuel efficiency and reduction in CO2 emissions. With these key requirements as the backdrop, aerospace and automotive engineers specify lightweight, strong and versatile Victrex PAEK polymers to help reduce both weight and noise, and provide increased reliability with no compromises in the safety performance of their products. This material specification is further supported by business and purchasing managers who value the security of supply and integrated supply chain offered by Victrex for these long-term, high volume application platforms.