US chemicals giant DuPont, through its Packaging and Industrial Polymers (P&IP) unit, has initiated technology and facility upgrades for its global Butacite-brand PVB sheet business.
The upgrading be…
US chemicals giant DuPont, through its Packaging and Industrial Polymers (P&IP) unit, has initiated technology and facility upgrades for its global Butacite-brand PVB sheet business. The upgrading began at DuPont“s plant in Hamm-Uentrop, Germany. By the end of 2000, DuPont estimates that 30% more PVB sheeting capacity will be available at Hamm-Uentrop, including a new capability for the supply of “jumbo size” (321 cm) PVB interlayer sheet for architectural laminated glass. According to Jack Welch, vice president of the Vinyls Enterprise in the P&IP business unit, the Hamm-Uentrop project is the first in a series of plant and technology upgrades which will help DuPont grow its PVB business over the next five years. “It will allow us to serve the European architectural market faster and more efficiently so that we meet customers“ growing demand for wide architectural sheeting,” said Welch. Additional capacity improvements are also planned for DuPont“s US and Korean plants over the next five years. The expansion program will eventually increase production capacity by an estimated 33%. Welch also noted that the Butacite expansion projects will impact more than just the architectural glass business. “DuPont“s added commitment to PVB production means our automotive glass laminating customers also can continue to rely on a plentiful supply of Butacite to keep pace with overall industry growth and new applications such as automotive side lites,” he said.