Clariant completes sale of its Pigments business

Clariant, a focused, sustainable and innovative specialty chemical company, today completed the sale of its Pigments business to a consortium of Heubach Group (“Heubach”) and SK Capital Partners (“SK Capital”). As announced upon signing of the transaction, the base enterprise value of the sale amounts to CHF 805 million subject to closing accounts adjustments and before a potential earn-out payment of CHF 50 million which is subject to the business’ 2021 financial performance.

Clariant rolled over approximately CHF 115 million to retain a 20 % stake in the new holding company, alongside Heubach and SK Capital. This combined business is a global pigments player with approximately 3 000 employees generating approximately EUR 1 billion in annual sales with strong service and production capabilities across the globe.

This roll-over allows Clariant to further benefit from the improving profitability of the Pigments business, participate in future growth opportunities and realize synergies via the combination with Heubach’s Pigments business.

Clariant’s net cash inflow after roll-over and initial debt adjustments, but before closing account adjustments, tax, transaction cost and a potential earn-out payment amounts to approximately CHF 615 million. Clariant intends to use the proceeds of the divestment to invest into growth projects within the core Business Areas, execute the strategy along sustainability and innovation, fund the performance improvement programs as well as strengthen Clariant’s balance sheet to reach and defend a solid investment rating.

“The Pigments divestment concludes Clariant’s transformation into a high-value specialty chemical company, allows us to invest in profitable growth in our most attractive segments and to address the increasing demand for more sustainable products,” said Conrad Keijzer, Chief Executive Officer of Clariant. “We are convinced that the Heubach and SK Capital consortium is the best owner of the Pigment activities and I wish our former colleagues all the best in their new environment. Clariant looks forward to participating in the group’s further development as a shareholder.”

https://www.clariant.com/

Suresh Kalra succeeds Ashwani Bhardwaj as Managing Director of hubergroup India & Head of RBU Asia

Dear ladies and genlemen,

hubergroup today announced that Ashwani Bhardwaj has decided to retire from the company effective January 30, 2022. Mr Bhardwaj had joined the company in 1995 as Regional Head of Sales and held various positions before becoming Managing Director in 2007. He was instrumental in the integration of the Indian company into hubergroup. Under his leadership, hubergroup India (formerly Hindustan Inks and Micro Inks) has developed to a key cornerstone of hubergroup.

hubergroup is delighted to appoint Suresh Kalra as Managing Director and Head of RBU (Regional Business Unit) Asia effective January 1, 2022. Suresh Kalra joined the company as Executive Director in September 2021 after a rigorous selection process with a defined succession plan and has been inducted into the Board of Directors already.

Suresh Kalra has 23 years of experience in chemicals and specialities and an impressive history of driving business growth across various regions globally. He has had a successful stint with the likes of Total, Chevron, Pidilite, Valvoline & WR Grace. His earlier role before joining hubergroup was Managing Director and Vice President SI group – India, where he also served on the board of Korea & Singapore.

The management board warmly welcomes Suresh Kalra to the role and is looking forward to seeing hubergroup Asia grow in this challenging yet exciting time under his leadership.

Heiner Klokkers, Chairman of the Management Board, said: “Suresh Kalra is an accomplished leader known for his strong personal leadership and track record of driving business growth and corporate transformation. His breadth of experience in leading businesses in diverse and dynamic markets is an ideal fit with hubergroup’s strategic priorities, and we look forward to him leading hubergroup Asia in its next phase of growth.”

“I am very excited to be a part of hubergroup and I am looking forward to accelerating the momentum in our chemicals business while continuing to strengthen our position in print solutions on the Asian markets,” Suresh Kalra said. “My focus in this new position will be to leverage the company’s unique product portfolio, the strong manufacturing base in India, and the exceptional talent in executing our growth strategy.”

Ascend to build HMD plant in China’s Jiangsu province

  Ascend Performance Materials announced today it signed an investment agreement to construct a new hexamethylene diamine and specialty chemicals plant in Lianyungang, China in the Xuwei New Area Park. The new plant will be Ascend’s first chemical production facility and the largest investment the company has made outside of the United States.

The plant will produce HMD and specialty chemicals to supply Ascend’s global polyamide production and serve its regional customers. “Our growth is driven by increasing market demand and growing collaboration with our customers globally,” said Phil McDivitt, Ascend’s president and CEO. “The materials we produce are helping drive technological transformations across markets, from e-mobility to automation. Our new HMD plant positions us to continue supporting these transformations well into the future.”

Ascend, a fully integrated producer of durable engineered materials, serves a variety of sectors including automotive, paints and coatings, electrical and electronics, consumer goods, and cable ties and fasteners.
“China and Asia remain high-growth markets for us,” said Dr. Kevin Wu, Ascend’s senior vice president and managing director for Asia. “This new plant is a symbol of our growth in the region and the partnerships we have developed. We thank the Xuwei New Area Park administrators and the officials in Lianyungang for their
partnership in this project.”

Ascend signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2020 during CIIE in Shanghai with Xuwei New Area Park, witnessed by the leaders of Jiangsu Province and Lianyungang. Ascend will begin construction later this year with a plant startup targeted for the second half of 2023.

The announcement of the new site construction follows a series of acquisitions and capacity expansions to enable regional growth and continued global supply security. In 2018, Ascend made its first acquisition in Tilburg, Netherlands, followed by acquisitions in Mozzate, Italy; Suzhou, China; and Fosses, France. Ascend will also
complete an acquisition in San Jose Iturbide, Mexico and the construction of Ascend Asia Innovation Center later this year.

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Perstorp further strengthens its specialty position within resins and coatings through the acquisition of the Di-Methylolpropionic Acid business from GEO

 Perstorp has acquired GEO’s Di-Methylolpropionic Acid [DMPA business, further emphasizing its commitment as the sustainable specialty solution provider within the resins and coatings segment.

This acquisition further accentuates the company’s strategic presence in Polyurethane and Alkyds dispersions – a vital step to becoming a specialty leader in various waterborne coating markets. The acquisition significantly bolsters Perstorp’s position within the Di-Methylpropionic acid platform, allowing further investments into innovation and additional capacities over time. Perstorp’s strategy is to support its customers and wider society by driving the shift towards renewable raw materials and sustainable technologies. This acquisition serves both of these dimensions.

“Our strategy is to be the sustainable solutions provider within our focus segments, of which resins and coatings is one. Additives for waterborne resins and coatings technologies are a key area for future growth, and we see great potential in the market for Bis-MPA together with the acquired DMPA. This acquisition will both allow further development of our offering and enable long term investments to safeguard future availability,” says Jan Secher, President and CEO of Perstorp Group.

Bis-MPA has represented a key building block in Perstorp’s offering over the past 20-plus years. The product enables a technology shift from solvent to waterborne formulations within markets such as Polyurethane dispersions, PUDs, and waterborne Alkyds.As of January 2022, Perstorp resumes control of GEO’s DMPA business. GEO will continue to produce DMPA exclusively for Perstorp in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Perstorp and GEO are jointly committed to ensuring a smooth business transition process, focusing on security of supply and service.

CPS Performance Materials, the parent company of GEO, is a diverse specialty chemical company with businesses serving multiple end markets including pharmaceuticals, nutrition, specialty coatings and dispersants used in a broad range of applications.

“We are excited to have found a partner in Perstorp who is committed to support the growing demand for DMPA. CPS will continue to focus on building our core businesses and this transaction enables us to streamline our portfolio as we invest in a number of capacity and product expansions throughout the company,” says Jeremy Steinfink, CEO of CPS Performance Materials.

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INEOS and NEXTLOOPP Work Together To Recycle Polypropylene

•  INEOS Olefins and Polymers Europe joins the award-winning NEXTLOOPP project to deliver new grades of Polypropylene (PP) incorporating recycled content that will be food-grade certified
•    INEOS O&P Europe will bring its deep product and technical know-how and expertise to the Project Partners to ‘tailor’ new grades to exacting food standard specifications which will meet customer’s requirements.
• “The absence of food-grade recycled polypropylene means that all PP food packaging is currently made from virgin plastics. This is a large, global problem and it is something that INEOS and its partners are determined to change.”

INEOS Olefins & Polymers have today announced it has joined the NEXTLOOPP project, an exciting UK collaboration to create circular food-grade recycled polypropylene from Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) packaging.

INEOS will be at the centre of an important two-year project that will inform the building of a demonstration plant in the UK to produce 10,000 tonnes per year of food-grade recycled polypropylene.

 From its manufacturing base in Grangemouth, Scotland, and extensive product and technical expertise across its European operations, INEOS will help tailor food-grade recycled polypropylene to the precise specification of converters by blending it with virgin polypropylene to modify its mechanical and processing properties. It will also introduce processing aids to help converters to meet the exacting requirements of Brand Owners.

 The project aims to validate the food-grade recycled polypropylene manufacturing process and its commercial viability, with the aim of receiving acceptance from the UK’s Food Standard Agency (FSA) and European equivalent (EFSA).

 Graham MacLennan, Polymer Business Manager INEOS O&P UK, said, “Polypropylene is one of the most versatile plastics in the world – it is also missing from our recycling streams in food contact applications. In the UK alone we use over 210,000 tonnes of PP in our food packaging every year. It is found in pots, tubs and trays. However, the absence of food-grade recycled polypropylene means that all PP food packaging is currently made from virgin plastics. This isn’t unique to the UK but a large global issue that INEOS and its partners are determined to change.”

 This partnership signals INEOS’ clear commitment to using more recycled plastic as a raw  material. INEOS remains committed to Sustainability, to achieving Net Zero in its operations whilst making products that enable others in the supply chain to also lower their carbon footprints.

 Professor Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek Ltd and NEXTLOOPP says, “We are delighted to welcome the participation of INEOS in helping recycle PP food packaging. INEOS’ commitment to reducing the world’s reliance on virgin plastics and closing the loop on such a prolific polymer as food-grade PP will help create a more circular economy, reduce CO₂ emissions and create new materials for brand owners”

“NEXTLOOPP looks forward to achieving the goal of creating a long term solution for PP packaging, enabling all stakeholders to confidently participate in recycling and contributing to a better outcome for all.”

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https://nexloop.us/

The Next Generation in High-Accuracy, Single-Axis Diameter Measurement

• Built on Industry Leading Gauging Platform – uses the same proven optical engine and electronics as our leading AccuScan family of gauges for high-performance diameter measurements
• Applications Versatility – accurately measures product diameters up to 100 mm (3.94 in.) across a wide range of applications for in-process control or as a stand-alone solution for off-line measurements
• Expansive Measurement Capabilities – stack two or more AccuScan Pro gauges to measure even larger diameters, plusperform single-scan flaw detection of lump and neckdowns for product quality control
• Powerful Multi-Strand Option – accurately, reliably measure up to 12 diameters simultaneously for 100% on-line inspection of multi-strand wire
• Flexible Communications – supports a variety of communication protocols for easy integration into processes
• Low Cost of Ownership – durable, low-maintenance design enables the gauge to reliably operate in a wide variety of demanding industrial applications
• Preeminent Support – all systems are backed by NDC’s dedicated worldwide customer service organization available 24-7 via myNDC cloud service

Xeikon announces VariOne – the true differentiator automating variable data for image creation

Lier, Belgium, 8 November 2021 – Xeikon has announced VariOne, a new variable data generation tool for Xeikon’s X-800 digital front-end. This integrated software innovation can immediately generate and print unique creative designs, based on an image or on vector graphics, in endless complex patterns. Xeikon’s VariOne is a true differentiator and has been developed and designed to add value and benefit brand owners, designers, illustrators, printers, converters, and consumers. VariOne can achieve the highest levels of variable imagery possible today. Demonstrations can be run by appointment and the new VariOne will be commercially available as an option for systems running X-800 version 7.00 or higher.

Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management, states: “Print is becoming more customised and valuable. With VariOne, Xeikon has taken a significant leap forward in its research and development and now offers completely new horizons for differentiation. With VariOne it is possible to create thousands of unique and individual clips from a base design. With our new integrated variable data solution built into Xeikon’s digital front-end, the possibilities for producing unique images are limitless on both our dry toner and inkjet presses. The Xeikon strategy is to extend the capabilities of its X-800 workflow even further and expand the range of possible applications.”

Differentiating products to meet consumer demand is a continuous challenge for brand owners. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for personalized goods, and they are on the lookout for products that uniquely express their personality and that can be shared on social media such as Instagram and Pinterest. In the fight against counterfeiting, which can impact consumer safety, brand owners are looking for new software technology solutions with extra image and text capabilities, and with hidden techniques to track and trace items such as unique patterns and images, hidden codes and guilloches. VariOne can be used as a tool to add an extra layer of security.

With Xeikon’s VariOne, personalised image creation can be fully automated within the printing process. The software functionality achieves random selections from zero to millions. This variable data application offers endless uses and endless variations. What sets this innovation apart is the immediacy of the process. VariOne can immediately process, format and print unique creative designs featuring variable patterns with random elements and the widest gamut of colour combinations. Unique designs can be created on the fly and in minutes in a variety of unique patterns. This new innovation is a breakthrough and a complete game changer.

The advantage of VariOne lies in the complete uniqueness of each design, which can be driven by the database or randomly created from bitmap or vector-based images, creating new and unusual designs in millions of shapes, styles and surreal effects. Brand owners will be able to utilise this opportunity in a variety of sectors with different applications for fashion magazines, retail catalogues, tourism marketing, promotional materials for football competitions or film festivals, as well as high-end label and packaging applications. For decades, cost has been the differentiator in our industries, but with the ever-rising costs of consumables and labour, it has now become virtually impossible to be successfully competitive based on that variable only. The focus has shifted to efficiency gained through automation. The new functionality of VariOne is the next step in efficient and sustainable variable data production, and VariOne also enables big savings in time and cost, both in prepress and in the pressroom. Van Bauwel concludes, “Xeikon is taking mass customisation to new levels with an explosion of creativity which will add value for everyone in the supply chain in a million ways. Xeikon’s VariOne has taken a complicated prepress process and made it immediately fast and flexible.”

ABOUT XEIKON

Xeikon, a division of Flint Group, is a long-standing leader and innovator in digital printing technology. Grounded in the principles of quality, flexibility and sustainability, Xeikon designs, develops and delivers web-fed digital colour presses for label and packaging applications, document printing, and commercial printing. These printing machines work with different imaging technologies, open workflow software and application-specific consumables.

In 2015, Xeikon joined Flint Group to create a new “Digital Printing Solutions” division for the leading global print consumables and solution provider to the packaging and print media industries. Flint Group develops and manufactures an extensive portfolio of consumables for the printing industry. These include a vast range of conventional and energy-curable inks and coatings, press-room chemicals and pigments and additives for use in inks and other colorant applications. The Flint Group is based in Luxembourg and employs around 7900 people. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier, in every major market segment it serves.

Coming to America! Rosti Group proud to acquire Plastic Components Inc (PCI),US based Injection  Moulding Company

Rosti Group AB (“Rosti” or the “Group”) has acquired Plastic Components, Inc. (“PCI”), a US-based injection moulding company from MPE partners. The acquisition significantly strengthens Rosti’s market position across the United States, making the Group a truly global partner for its customers.

Founded over 75 years ago, Rosti is a global plastic injection moulding company and contract manufacturer serving some of the world’s leading manufacturers in the packaging, consumer appliances, business machines, medical and automotive sectors. 

Headquartered in Sweden, Rosti has state-of-the art production facilities strategically located across Europe and Asia. Through the acquisition of PCI, Rosti is establishing a global production footprint to better serve both existing and new customers.

“M&A is an important part of Rosti’s growth strategy and we continue to look for high-quality companies that can strategically enhance our business and create meaningful opportunities for our customers and employees. PCI has extensive know-how in engineering and process technology and is a well-managed company that does just that, they are a great partner for Rosti” Jonas Persson, CEO of Rosti.

Founded in 1989, PCI delivers engineered thermoplastic components for a variety of market applications, including flow control, consumer, pool & aquatics, automotive technology, small engine, and medical.

Headquartered in Germantown, WI, with additional locations in Cary, NC and Clearfield, UT, PCI boasts a unique nationwide presence and has critical scale with longstanding, strategic relationships throughout a diverse customer base. Derrill Rice, President and CEO of PCI, will continue to lead PCI’s strong existing management team.

“As the President and CEO of PCI, an industrial injection moulder, I am thrilled to partner with Rosti who for over 75 years have also been injection moulding. Owned by Nordstjernan, an ethical company with financial strength, this acquisition is part of their long-term investment strategy.

The cultural fit and vision that both companies share will help us to better serve our customers. Combining our two highly skilled workforces will help us expand our capabilities on a global scale.” Derrill Rice, President and CEO PCI.

“This acquisition combines two strong, technology-led manufacturing teams, allied in their pursuit of excellence to deliver world class manufacturing and moulding, enhancing our relationships with existing customers while creating additional opportunities for growth and expansion. PCI aligns well with Rosti strategically and culturally, and together we are excited to offer customers a superior technical service.” Jonas Persson, CEO of Rosti.

https://www.rosti.com/

ABC TECHNOLOGIES TO ACQUIRE DLHBOWLES FROM MPE PARTNERS 

 ABC Technologies Holdings Inc.a leading manufacturer and supplier of custom, highly engineered technical plastics and lightweighting innovations to the global automotive industry, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire dlhBOWLES, Inc. from MPE Partners (“MPE” or Morgenthaler Private Equity”) for approximately US$255 million (the “dlhB Acquisition”).

Based in North Canton, OH, dlhBOWLES is a recognized leader in the North American market for camera and sensor cleaning systems, windshield washer systems, sunroof drains, powertrain and chassis solutions. With approximately $120 million in revenue expected in 2021, dlhBOWLES has established a leading position in the North American washer systems market as well as the quickly expanding market for cleaning systems addressing advanced driving (ADAS) and thermal management for EVs.

“The acquisition of dlhBOWLES further solidifies ABC Technologies’ leadership position in the North American washer systems market, strengthening our product portfolio to better serve our global customers and enhance the capabilities of our Fluid Management division, while improving ABC’s process automation,” said Todd Sheppelman, President and CEO of ABC Technologies.

“This acquisition will create a complete product system offering within our Fluid Management division, which we believe will be a win for our customers as well as ABC.” “We are excited to bring dlhBOWLES and ABC Technologies together,” said dlhBOWLES President and CEO, John Saxon. “We have known the ABC team for years as an important customer of dlhBOWLES, and we believe ABC’s global reach and ability to cross-sell washer systems products to an even broader group of OEM customers will expand the growth opportunities of the combined businesses and enable us to deliver innovative solutions around the globe.”

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with dlhBOWLES and appreciative of the leadership and strong execution that John Saxon and his team have delivered since the combination of DLH Industries and Bowles Fluidics” said Peter Taft, Partner at MPE. “dlhBOWLES is a great fit within ABC Technologies’ portfolio and we believe the combination will create exciting growth and value-creation opportunities.”    

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CLEARWATER PAPER LAUNCHES NUVO WITH BIOPBS CUP

Clearwater Paper Corporation  today introduced NuVo withBioPBS, a sustainable cup stock that provides foodservice operators with a compostable alternative to hot cups coated with low-density polyethylene.

NuVo withBioPBS is the first cup stock to combine a compostable barrier, 35% post-consumer fiber, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certification (FSC-C008402), and a high-definition print surface.

“When we launched the NuVo brand in 2019, we made a promise to continually innovate to maximize product differentiation and sustainability. We are pleased to continue delivering on that commitment by introducing NuVo withBioPBS, a next-generation cup stock that we believe will allow our customers to be at the forefront of growing trends in sustainability,” said Steve Bowden, senior vice president and general manager of the pulp and paperboard division.

 www.clearwaterpaper.com