By Cameron Chai
Solutia announced that it has invested to add the Saflex polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin plant to its facility in Kuantan, Malaysia. The Saflex interlayers are ideal for automotive and architectural glass lamination and are also utilized to cover thin film photovoltaic solar cells. They provide excellent performance and durability.
The Kuantan site has been selected after performing a wider feasibility study and recognized for its ability to serve the region's faster growing markets, high-quality workforce and efficient operations. The site also houses the Crystex insoluble sulfur production plant.
Solutia's Advanced Interlayers division President and General Manager, Eric Nichols stated that the increased production capacity in Malaysia will be utilized to meet the rising demand for Saflex interlayers in a cost-effective manner. The current investment will leverage Solutia's expertise in the PVB resin technology and enable the company to react to the future market demand in the Asia Pacific region.
The investment in the Kuantan resin plant will help to meet the demand of the growing laminated glass market in Asia Pacific. Solutia has opened the fifth manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China for the Saflex PVB interlayers in 2007. In 2010, the company has added a second PVB production line at the China facility. The company carries out the Saflex production at facilities located in Suzhou, China; Springfield, Massachusetts, USA; San Jose Dos Campos, Brazil; Santo Toribio, Mexico; and in Gent, Belgium.