Arkema announces that it has acquired a majority stake in AEC Polymers, a French manufacturer of structural adhesives. AEC Polymers recently developed a range of methacrylate glues (SAF® range) based on an Arkema technology, which boast unrivalled mechanical properties. AEC Polymers will join the Group’s new products and new technologies incubator.
Structural adhesives are increasingly used in industry to assemble composite materials, plastics, glass and metals. In the example of metals, the properties obtained are equivalent or superior to welding.
Growth in the structural adhesives market is driven by the quest for lighter materials used in transport (automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, etc.), the increasing role of plastics in electronics and household electricals (miniaturization), and the development of wind power and alternative energies.
This acquisition illustrates Arkema’s strategy to expand in high added value specialty chemicals, in particular composite materials and advanced materials. The performances of AEC Polymers’ SAF® range, combining mechanical strength, extreme elongation, lighter assembly capability, and resistance to chemical and weathering attacks aptly illustrate this commitment.
Christian Collette. Vice President Research at Arkema explains: « The technology of AEC Polymers uses mostly products manufactured by Arkema such as block copolymers, organic peroxides, acrylic and methacrylic monomers. Together we will grow our customers’ performance in the assembly of advanced materials, and make Arkema an essential player in this sector ».
For Christian Bret, President of AEC Polymers, « With this alliance, AEC Polymers, now associated with a major group, will be in a position to speed up its development in new geographic regions and with new customers and renowned brands. Our credibility will be boosted, which will allow us to step up our growth ».
A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €6.4 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.
AEC Polymers was created in 2003, employs 25 people near Bordeaux (France), and manufactures a range of methacrylate-based structural adhesives (two-component adhesives based on an Arkema technology) and MS polymers (sealants curable at ambient moisture). It reports sales of €3.5 million.
