In early July, BASF (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) announced the acquisition of US cast elastomer polyurethane systems and polyester polyols specialist ITWC (Malcom, Iowa; www.itwcinc.com). Financial details of the deal, as part of which all of ITWC’s employees will transfer to BASF, were not disclosed. The transaction allows the German group to solidify its position as “a leading solutions provider for polyurethane systems and enhances its global market position with cast elastomer technology,” said Raimar Jahn, president of the group’s Polyurethanes business unit.

ITWC operates plants in Malcom, Iowa and Riverside, California and employs more than 80 workers. BASF said the new portfolio, which includes the assets ITWC obtained in its 2010 acquisition of Hydroseal Polymers, complements its existing polyurethane chemicals, systems and specialties portfolio. In addition, the deal also strengthens BASF footprint in North America’s PU market.

Known for their toughness and abrasion resistance, cast elastomers are used in a wide range of applications from industrial tires and rollers, to recreational wheels, transportation gears, sieves and scrapers as well as sealants and adhesives, among others.