Altuglas International to relocate U.S. acrylic sheet production to Louisville, KY

Relocation will strengthen brand and customer service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Bell
Phone: 610-205-7293
Bristol, PA - April 12, 2012

Altuglas International, makers of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet in the Americas, will consolidate U.S. acrylic sheet production by moving production lines from its facility in Kensington, CT, to its existing resin manufacturing operations in Louisville, KY.  The move will take place in several stages beginning later this year.

“The relocation to this new platform is evidence of our strong, continued commitment to competitiveness, innovation and future growth of the Plexiglas® brand in the acrylic sheet business.  We are certain that these moves will result in improved response time and customer service.” said Mark Johnson, Altuglas International’s General Manager for sheet in the Americas.  “This strategic investment in manufacturing will also improve the quality of our assets and generate synergies and efficiencies for years to come.”

Over the next year, sheet manufacturing at Kensington, CT, will remain in operation but will gradually cease production as the equipment is modernized and redeployed.  The employees at the facility will be offered relocation packages to Louisville.  Those who choose not to make the move will be offered severance packages and support from the company during the transition.  “The employees here at Kensington are the reason that we have run this plant so effectively over the years, even as our operating costs have risen,” said Kensington plant manager Mike Dopson.  “We intend to help them through this transition.”

The Kensington plant also manufactures polycarbonate sheet sold under the trade name Tuffak®.  As part of the consolidation, Arkema has agreed to sell the polycarbonate sheet brand and manufacturing assets to Bayer MaterialScience LLC in a later transaction.  The details of the sale will not be released.

Find out more about Plexiglas® PMMA sheets:
Known as “acrylic glass” and Plexiglas®, this polymer (polymethylmethacrylate) has exceptional optical properties, superior to that of glass. These properties have lead it to become the material of choice across numerous industries, from the automotive industry to construction. Plexiglas® is the Arkema registered trademark in Americas.

Find out more about Altuglas International, a subsidiary of Arkema:
Altuglas International, world leader integrated in PMMA, is heavily involved in the field of engineered plastic - from MMA monomer to PMMA Acrylic glass – Altuglas International designs and manufactures highly innovative products tailored to the specific needs of its global customers. Its 1300 committed employees contribute daily to the success of its three areas of business (MMA, acrylic sheet and PMMA resins). Its five great brand names are references: Altuglas®, Plexiglas® (Americas), Oroglas®,Solarkote®, Tuffak® for Polycarbonate sheet. Find out more at www.altuglasint.com

More about Arkema:
A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, 15,700 employees and nine research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €5.9 billion and holds leadership positions in all of its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands. The world is our inspiration.  www.arkema.com

Press contacts: