As part of the reinforcement of its global position in PA6, DSM Engineering Plastics (NL-6130 AA Sittard) brought a new facility with an annual production capacity of 85,000 t on stream in the Dutch Emmen at the end of May. This plant, which was acquired from Akzo Nobel in 1992 and has now been expanded, will be producing grades for engineering applications and films and grades for fibres. As Jos Goessens, director of DSM Engineering Plastics stressed, the expansion in “Akulon” PA6 marks one of the mainstays of DMS´s global portfolio strategy. DSM already opened a new 50,000 t/y facility in Augusta (Georgia, USA) at the start of 1999. The plant at this location was then supplemented later in the year by a recycling plant for PA6 carpet waste (see Plasteurope.com 23, 1999). DSM is planning a further PA6 commitment in the form of a joint venture (DSM holding: 25%) with Meida Nylon, Guandong/South China, at the Chinese location of Xinhui. A facility with an annual capacity of 45,000 t PA6 – for fibres and engineering applications on the Chinese market – is to be constructed here.

DSM is similarly expanding in the field of polyamide imide (PAI) performance polymer: DSM Engineering Plastic Products (DSM EPP, B-8700 Tielt) has acquired the Amotech compression moulding business from BP Amoco. According to DSM, the “Torlon”/“Kadel” Parts business unit of BP Amoco has conducted pioneering work into the use of compression moulded polyamide imide moulds for seals and machine components.