Materials News

Teknor Apex adds on TPVs
With the recent acquisition of Sarlink, which manufactures thermoplastic vulcanisates or TPVs, from its Dutch owner DSM, US compounder Teknor Apex says it has strengthened its portfolio of thermoplastic elastomers or TPEs.

Sarlink operates compounding facilities in the US and Belgium and has engineering and laboratory resources for application development. Teknor Apex will retain all of the 90 Sarlink employees, including those with offices in the US, the Netherlands, China and Singapore. It will also continue to sell the TPVs under the Sarlink name.

"Teknor Apex is a natural fit for the Sarlink group and the synergies from our combined people and resources will benefit the customers of both," said Bertram Lederer, Executive Vice-President of Teknor Apex. Sarlink brings its strength in the European market while Teknor Apex has a large presence in Asia.

Automotive is the largest market for TPVs, with applications in soft touch interior, sealing system, chassis, underhood and wiring components, and this is Sarlink's main market. In 2009, it had a turnover of EUR70 million.