Germany-headquartered Styrolution is optimising its network in Germany and opening a regional specialties logistics centre. It will now offer Novodur grades from its production sites in Cologne, Ludwigshafen and Schwarzeide, while Luran S grades are now available from both Ludwigshafen and Schwarzheide. Additionally, the company will expand compounding capacity in Schwarzheide to enable insourcing of speciality ABS and Novodur GF previously produced by external partners. The Schwarzheide site will become an increasingly important hub for Styrolution in EMEA with the production of compounded specialty styrenic products, such as Novodur GF, Terblend N and S, Zylar and anti-static polystyrene. Styrolution plans to complete the majority of this project by the end of 2013.

These measures allow for what it says is to offer customers greater flexibility, long-term and secure supply, and lot-to-lot consistency. The measures also extend Styrolution’s regional reach and further strengthen its market position in the region’s key focus industries, such as automotive, healthcare and diagnostics, and building and construction.

Styrolution has also opened a centre for its AMSAN and SAN specialities plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany. It offers optimised automated packaging and storage facilities to enhance Styrolution’s ability to supply customers packaged or bulk goods in an efficient and timely manner.

In August 2013, Styrolution launched its ‘Triple Shift’ growth strategy aimed at strengthening its leading position in styrenics globally. The strategy calls for an expansion of the firm’s global footprint in emerging markets; focusing on higher growth industries; and expanding its market position in styrenic specialties and ABS Standard. In October 2013, it announced a planned joint venture with Braskem to produce ABS Standard and ABS specialities in South America, and new AMSAN specialty production at its plant in Altamira, Mexico.