Brussels, September 24, 2018 --- Solvay will raise production capacity of its Solef® PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) high performance polymers in France, by more than 35% to meet strong global demand growth mainly for applications in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, reinforcing its technological leadership and customer support worldwide.
“Solvay’s decision to lift capacity of Solef® PVDF in Tavaux by well over a third, shows our continuous commitment to address the increasing needs of our customers worldwide from our plants in Europe, North America and, since last year, Asia,” said Michael Finelli, President of Solvay's Specialty Polymers Gobal Business Unit.
The new capacity, from investing in new assets, should be operational by end of 2019.
Solef® PVDF optimizes energy storage efficiency and reduces battery weight in electric vehicles or consumer electronics. Other growing applications include offshore oil and gas pipes and liners and membranes for water purification.
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Solvay is an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers worldwide in many diverse end markets. Its products are used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Its lightweighting materials promote cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 26,800 employees in 61 countries. Net sales were €10.1 billion in 2017, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world’s top 3 leaders, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 22%. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR) and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program. Financial figures take into account the announced divestment of Polyamides.
