27 Jun 2019
Ascend outlines growth initiatives, specialty products
ANTWERP, BELGIUM – June 27, 2019 – Ascend Performance Materials announced growth plans – including new specialty polymers initiatives, capacity expansions and global developments – at a pre-K 2019 press conference last week in Antwerp, Belgium. Representatives of Ascend, the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin, also touted sustainability efforts.
Among the company’s new products are high-heat and long-chain polyamides, an inherently antimicrobial polymer for fiber production, expanded recycled-content offerings and additional flame-retardant grades of its Vydyne® PA66.
Scott Rook, senior vice president of Ascend’s commercial divisions, also discussed expansion plans.
“We have always been focused on meeting our customers’ needs,” Rook said. “Our adiponitrile expansions will keep pace with increasing demand for PA66 and support our growing specialty polymers and chemicals businesses. We are developing new products to help our customers meet new challenges.” Ascend recently announced progress on a 90kt ADN expansion plan at its facility in Decatur, Alabama.
The company continues to expand globally, adding technical capabilities in Europe and Asia to develop solutions with customers in the regions. Ascend began operating its first production facility outside the U.S. after purchasing a compounder in Tilburg, Netherlands, last year.
“We continue to invest in local resources to be closer to our customers. We have reorganized our regional teams and expanded our supply chain to address the increasing global demand,” Rook said.
Ascend is also intent on reducing its environmental footprint. The company’s 2018 sustainability report highlighted energy and emissions reductions, and Rook reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability.
“We are in advanced discussions to implement co-generation units at our Decatur plant, and we’ve expanded our recycled-content product portfolio. We have an obligation to our employees, their families, our neighbors and our customers to use resources responsibly and add value where we can,” Rook said.
Ascend will debut its new specialty polymers and detail its expansion plans at stand 6/A07at K 2019 in Dusseldorf from October 16-23.
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About Ascend Performance Materials
Ascend Performance Materials is a global premium provider of high-quality plastics, fibers and chemicals and is the world’s largest integrated producer of PA66 resin. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Ascend has nine global locations, including five fully-integrated manufacturing facilities located in the southeastern United States and an engineering plastics compounding facility in Europe, all dedicated to the innovation and safe production of nylon 6,6. With three of the world’s largest chemical processing facilities, Ascend’s materials form the building blocks for products used in everyday applications from apparel to airbags, cable ties to circuit boards and carpets to car parts. Ascend’s 2,500-person global workforce is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve and leading the development of nylon 6,6 solutions that inspire everyone, everywhere, every day.
Together, we’re making a difference.
Together, we’re inspiring everyday.
More information about Ascend can be found at www.ascendmaterials.com.
Disclaimer
Although the information and recommendations set forth herein (hereinafter “Information”) are presented in good faith and believed to be correct as of the date hereof, Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC makes no representations or warranties as to the completeness or accuracy thereof. The full disclaimer of warranty and liability can be found at ascendmaterials.com/disclaimer.
©2019 Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC. The Ascend Performance Materials and Vydyne marks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC.
Rita Verschuuren
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