Elf Atochem UK Ltd (Colthorp Way, Thatcham, Newbury, GB-Berkshire RG13 4LW) has announced that it is increasing capacity at its polystyrene plant in Stalybridge, Cheshire. Capacity for impact and crystal polystyrene will be increased from 80,000 t/y to 100,000 t/y and the work should be completed by June of this year.

The £ 3m investment has been made to meet growing demand from its UK customers. The increased capacity is expected to be running immediately on completion and will reduce Elf Atochem's need to import from its French plants to meet customer needs. Elf Atochem are the second largest PS producer in Europe. In addition to their plant in the UK they operate two units in France (at Gonfreville and Carling) and one in Spain. Their current production capacity is 450,000 t/y.