DSM invests EUR 100 million in new rubber plant in the Netherlands
Strengthening of worldwide leadership in EPDM rubber
DSM elastomers will invest about EUR 100 million in a new plant for the production of EPDM rubber (Keltan®) at its site in Geleen (The Netherlands) with a capacity of 80,000 tons per annum. The plant is to come on stream in the second half of 2002. Detailed engineering is nearing completion, and construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2001. The new plant will be integrated with the two existing EPDM plants at the site.
DSM Elastomers is the world's largest EPDM producer, with a market share of over 20%. The construction of the new plant is part of a global expansion program that will enable DSM Elastomers to follow market demand and to consolidate its leading position worldwide.
The project fits in with DSM's corporate strategy for the years to come ('Vision 2005: Focus and Value'). According to this strategy, by the year 2005 DSM wants to rank among the world's leading players in the field of specialties characterized by a high added value, strong growth and stable earnings. To this end, DSM will transform itself into a company specializing in (bio)chemical specialties and performance materials. EPDM rubber falls into the latter category of products.
The new plant will be based on the same technology as the two existing plants at the Geleen site. This highly efficient technology yields a wide range of high-performance EPDM grades that can be used in for example automotive components (e.g. sealing systems and hoses), mechanical rubber goods (e.g. moulded goods such as gaskets), the building construction industry (e.g. building profiles and roofing materials), wire & cable covering, oil additives and as a basic material for thermoplastics modification and thermoplastic elastomers.
Other news from the department
