Solutia Bolsters Manufacturing Capacity For Polyamide 66 Resins

The expansion to Solutia's nylon plastics and polymers division is the second phase in a series of capacity increases that began in 2006 and is expected to continue through 2008. The latest capacity increase results from reconfiguring existing manufacturing resources which will generate additional output of the PA66 products at Solutia's facility in Pensacola, Fla., the world's largest integrated PA66 manufacturing plant. Together, the two phases account for a 72,000-metric-ton capacity boost.



"Solutia recognizes the significant increase in demand for Vydyne and Ascend products throughout the world, especially in China and other Asian regions," notes Mike Berezo, general manager of market molecules for Solutia's Integrated Nylon business. "This expansion project is case-in-point that we're committed to delivering high-quality PA66 products, and capable of rapidly responding to meet ever-increasing supply needs."



Vydyne PA66 resins are used primarily in injection molding and extrusion applications in the automotive, consumer, electrical and electronic, and industrial markets. Ascend PA66 polymers are used primarily in the textile, carpet, and industrial fiber markets. Nadim Qureshi, general manager for Solutia's nylon plastics and polymers, stated that the growth in these markets is a key factor in the demand increase, particularly for Vydyne PA66 resins.



"China's automotive industry is growing dramatically, which has prompted much of the demand we've been experiencing from that region for Vydyne PA66," explains Qureshi. "Customers trust the quality and performance they get using Vydyne PA66 and we're excited that the capacity increase helps ensure that we continue to meet the emerging global demands for our product."