Bluestar Silicones Begins Manufacturing and R&D Center in York

YORK, S.C., -- Bluestar Silicones, a global integrated silicones manufacturer, held a grand opening for its new plant and R&D center in York, S.C. The multi-million-dollar investment is the centerpiece of Bluestar Silicones strategic growth plan which positions the company as a premier supplier in the silicones industry. More than 100 local, state, and federal officials, dignitaries, and customers attended the celebration which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, plant tours, and a reception.

"The opening of our new manufacturing and R&D facility is a major step forward in the execution of our strategic plan for North America," said J. Christopher York, president of Bluestar Silicones North America. "It is an exciting time for our company and the customers we serve as Bluestar Silicones evolves into a top tier supplier."

Bluestar Silicones is aggressively focused on becoming a significant player in the silicones industry and plans to double sales over the next five years. As part of its global expansion plans, the company has relocated its two U.S. manufacturing facilities in Ventura, Calif. and Rock Hill, S.C. to the 226,000-sq-ft building which is situated on 21.5 acres. The move to York reaffirms the companys commitment to the North American markets and supports its global five-year strategic growth plan.

"Our investment in York, S.C. is significant because it takes our business to the next level," said York. "We are planting new roots and building a foundation here that will create business opportunities and position us for future market share growth."

The facility now is the central R&D center for Bluestar Silicones in North America, bringing R&D personnel together under one roof. The larger manufacturing workshops and laboratory facilities and new pilot equipment are expected to improve technical synergies and accelerate product development and support. In addition, the new manufacturing and R&D center will provide enhanced customer service capabilities, resulting in improved efficiencies and faster response times.

"Our sizable footprint in York will give us ample room to expand workshops, supporting existing specialty markets along with entry into new markets," explained York. The company is already a leader in paper release coatings and textile coatings for automotive air bags. Bluestar seeks to accelerate its penetration of high-growth markets such as healthcare, personal care, and solar energy.

The company also intends to increase staffing in sales, marketing, and technical service at the York facility. Overall, employment is projected to increase 35% during the next two years at the York facility.

The company now produces its extensive range of silicone technologies at the York facility, including liquid silicone rubbers (LSRs) high consistency rubbers (HCRs) room-temperature vulcanized silicones (RTVs) fluids, dispersions, specialty fluids, resins and antifoam, marketed under its Silbione, Silcolease, Silcolapse, Lyndcoat, and Bluesil trade names.

About Bluestar Silicones

With worldwide operations headquartered in Lyon, France, Bluestar Silicones is an $800 million worldwide silicones raw material manufacturer. The company is one of the worlds leading fully integrated global silicones manufacturers with more than 60 years of silicone expertise. Bluestar has manufacturing operations throughout the world and combines upstream silicon metal operations and capacity with downstream silicone market and application development expertise. The company offers a comprehensive range of silicone technologies in support of diverse specialty markets including paper release, textile coatings, healthcare, moldmaking, automotive, aerospace, and personal care

Source: Bluestar Silicones