DuPont said Czech Republic government regulatory approval was received in January.
DuPont will acquire the complete Retrim business, including some 50 employees and proprietary technology allowing the re-use of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) trim materials produced during the manufacture of automotive and architectural laminated glass.
"This acquisition is consistent with the company's stated goal of increasing its presence in growing markets. And, it helps DuPont offer improved efficiency and value-adding services to DuPont customers," said Craig Binetti, vice president and general manager DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. "Adding a safetyglass interlayer manufacturing plant and PVB expertise in the Czech Republic bolsters DuPont presence in central and eastern Europe so we can be a preferred supplier and innovator in those markets."
Craig said DuPont anticipated a smooth transition of ownership with no supply or other interruptions for existing Retrim customers. He said PVB products from the Czech plant will continue to be marketed using the Czechtrim® brand.
"Acquiring Retrim also underlines the commitment of DuPont to environmentally responsible manufacturing," Craig said. "The acquisition will allow DuPont to make the best use of available techniques for using recycled PVB in making high-quality interlayers for use in safetyglass."
In addition to its new Czech Republic facility, DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions manufactures Butacite® and SentryGlas® interlayers at sites in the United States, Korea and Germany. Business sales are reported as part of the DuPont Performance Materials platform, with USD 5.3 billion in sales in 2003.
DuPont Acquires Czech Republic PVB Business
DuPont has acquired Retrim, a safetyglass interlayer company, with plant operations in Zlin, Czech Republic. Terms were not disclosed.