Rhodia´s polyamide division (25, quai Paul-Doumer, F-92408 Courbevoie Cedex) has acquired the EUR 37m engineering plastics polyamide division of the Hyosung group, Korea´s leading PA manufacturer, along with its production facility and a development centre at Anyang, near Seoul. “Korea is an important market,” says Rhodia deputy director Henri Alline, adding that the acquisition will enable the company to accelerate the development of engineering plastics activities in Asia and strengthen its position, particularly in the automotive industry.

Rhodia Engineering Plastics employs 1,200 at eight production sites, seven development centres and 11 commercial subsidiaries worldwide. The Asian market accounted for 9% of its EUR 340m total sales in 1998. The company already is established in China and Taiwan. In North America, it produces engineering plastics at Mississauga, Ontario (Canada), and is currently building a new design centre near Detroit.