Evonik Industries (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com) has created a joint venture with Ampaglas Plastics (Elandsfontein, Johannesburg / South Africa; www.ampaglas.co.za) for the extrusion of PMMA sheets. Named Evonik Acrylics Africa (Elandsfontein), the joint venture will produce Evonik’s “Plexiglas” PMMA sheet products. Output will be focused on the building and architecture market and the design-oriented lighting technologies segment, as well as furniture, shop fitting, and exhibition booth construction.

Gregor Hetzke, head of Evonik's performance polymers business, said the partnership with Ampaglas, southern Africa's largest producer of extruded plastics, is part of plans to add local production in attractive growth regions. The German producer will own a 51% stake in the venture.