UK-based Victrex Polymer Solutions is increasing capacity of its polyaryletherketones (PAEK) by around 70% to bring it up to 7,000 tonnes/year by 2015, following record breaking results for the year ended 30th September.

This new capacity will add 2,900 tonnes of polymer output annually and will come on stream in early 2015. Total annual production of PAEK polymers after completion will then stand at more than 7,000 tonnes/year, an increase of around 70% on Victrex’s current capacity of 4,250 tonnes/year.

This new capacity investment follows recently reported sales results for Victrex’s financial year ending 30th September 2012. Sales volumes for the full year ended at 2,904 tonnes, a new record and provided the backdrop to the decision to invest in the construction of the third Victrex plant to be located at the company’s headquarters in the UK.

Victrex continues to grow its share in key market segments such as in the aerospace and oil and gas sectors. The firm also recently launched its VICTREX Pipes, which are extruded light weight pipes and tubes that can be used in oil and gas recovery. Other new developments include composite structures that use PAEK polymers and APTIV film. (PRA)