15 Oct 2007
DSM ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN KELTAN® ACE™ TECHNOLOGY
Heerlen, 15 October 2007 - The Managing Board of Royal DSM N.V has decided to invest in the implementation of a new advanced catalyst technology in one of its existing EPDM facilities in Geleen, the Netherlands. The total investment represents up to EUR 10 million. Mechanical completion of the plant is expected in the 4th quarter of 2008.
This new technology, referred to as Keltan® ACE™ technology enables the production of a new class of innovative Keltan® products. ACE is the acronym for Advanced Catalysis Elastomers.
New products will contain high amounts of 2-vinyl-5-norbornene (VNB) as third monomer and provide excellent peroxide curing efficiency. DSM Elastomers has filed a number of patents describing amongst others this new class of EP(D)Ms.
High-VNB products offer new avenues for cost-effective compounding of Keltan® formulations that require peroxide curing. Moreover, the balance of physical properties and high temperature resistance can be markedly improved with this new class of Keltan® products.
According to Herman Dikland, Business Manager for Keltan® ACE™, “These high VNB products respond extremely well to peroxide cures, offering our customers the possibility to lower the amount of expensive peroxide while maintaining material properties. Alternatively, compounds can be loaded to a much higher extent, while maintaining material properties. The products also offer new opportunities to meet stringent demands for peroxide cure applications which are difficult to meet with the EP(D)M products currently available on the market.”
DSM Elastomers’ President Bob Hartmayer adds: “This exciting new generation of catalysts allows us to tailor-make specialty EP(D)Ms that offer characteristics that cannot be reached with current Ziegler-Natta technology and classical metallocene catalysts. Our intention is to produce such new types of Keltan® products next to our present Ziegler-Natta portfolio of Keltan® Great Grades. This addition to our portfolio will further enhance the reputation of Keltan® as leading EP(D)M brand in the market.”
Reader enquiries
DSM Elastomers
PO Box 601
6160 AP Geleen
Netherlands
Notes for editors
About DSM Elastomers
DSM Elastomers is a global supplier of EP(D)M rubber (Keltan®) and TPVs (Sarlink®), with a strong presence on all continents. Through a global sales organization and distribution network the company provides an extensive range of high quality grades to converters and compounders around the world. Its position as a dynamic and leading player in the market enables DSM Elastomers to secure a constant supply of highly consistent materials.
More information can be found at http://www.dsmelastomers.com
About DSM
DSM creates innovative products and services in life sciences and materials sciences, contributing to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 – Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company’s specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia.
More information about DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM management and information currently available to the company. The statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore DSM does not guarantee that its expectations will be realized. Furthermore, DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release.
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SABIC
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