US-based PolyOne to build specialty engineered materials plant in Pune

PolyOne Corporation, the US-based $3.4 billion company that provides specialised polymer materials, services and solutions, will set up a production unit for specialty engineered materials at its existing Pune site to support the growing demand for engineering plastics in the country. The company expects the new unit to begin production of specialty engineered materials in January 2017.

“PolyOne continues to build upon our strong reputation in India for collaborating and innovating with our local and multi-national customers. We are excited and proud to have furthered our commitment to customers in India, through local production of our leading specialty engineered materials and strengthened by sales and technical support personnel,” commented Craig Nikrant, president, specialty engineered materials, PolyOne.

The new capability will enable the company to more broadly support customers and increase their speed to market through its expansive portfolio of high-performance solutions and services. Initial production at the new unit will include specialty engineered polymer materials used in high performance applications that have the need for flame retardant properties, high strength and durability, stiffness, chemical resistance, or weatherability. In addition, PolyOne has hired sales and technical resources based in India with expertise in specialty engineered materials to increase speed to market and collaborate with in-country customers.

Vikas Vij, managing director for PolyOne in India, added, “India remains a region of growth for manufacturers and consumers, and by enhancing speed to market, it gives our customers a competitive advantage. We are proud to be their materials and service provider as we innovate and grow together for the future.”

PolyOne opened its Pune facility in 2014 initially to focus on the production of colourant and additives to serve end markets such as transportation, electronics & electrical, healthcare, wire & cable and packaging. The new specialty engineered materials manufacturing unit, currently being installed within the facility, is schedule to start production trials later this year.