Arkema has just brought on stream successfully and on schedule its new Kynar PVDF production fluorinated polymer plant at its Changshu site in China. With this additional capacity, Arkema now boasts significant VF2 and PVDF production resources on three continents - Europe, North America and Asia -, and so can provide superior service to its customers in each region.

In accordance with the Groups growth strategy in emerging countries, this new plant dedicated to the production of Kynar and the VF2 vinylidene fluoride monomer, based in Changshu and fitted with the latest equipment, is boosting Arkemas position in Asia.

This plant helps provide for the growth of Asian customers, and better respond to global demand for PVDF in applications ranging from high performance industrial coatings, offshore and chemical engineering markets to emerging sectors like lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic panels.

Arkema has decided to speed up the extension of this new plant by announcing in January this year an additional 50% capacity. This increase should come into effect by mid-2012.

"The startup of a world-scale plant in the fast growing sector of fluorinated polymers positions us in every region of the world so we can assist our customers in their growth by providing local service and a high quality offering. It confirms our leadership in fluorinated polymers, in particular in applications that bring solutions to sustainable development, for example in new energies" stated Erwoan Pezron, Global Director of Arkemas fluorinated polymer business.