LNP
Expansion in Europe, too / Added competence through integration in GE Plastics / Polyamides
As part of its worldwide expansion programme US compounder LNP Engineering Plastics (Europe: NL-4941 VM Raamsdonkveer; www.lnp.com), which was acquired by GE Plastics (GEP, Europe: NL-4600 AC Bergen op Zoom; www.geplastics.com) at the start of 2002, is in the process of expanding its European activities. Production of “Verton” PP composites in Thornaby-on-Tees, UK, is being increased by 20%. In June 2002, LNP opened a new technical centre in Fosses, France. Production capacity at Pontirolo, Italy, has increased by 30% through integration of the GEP compounding facility.
All in all, LNP Engineering Plastics Europe accounts for 25% of the group´s sales worldwide, which are approaching a volume of USD 300m. The aim is for business in Europe to double by 2005. Employee numbers in application development have been stepped up to this end. When it comes to marketing, LNP is additionally receiving support from some 200 employees in the GEP sales department.
Integration into GEP has also provided further stimulus. Having access to the polymer technology of its parent company is allowing LNP to develop not only the customised compounds it has been known for in the past but also completely new product platforms, Bernard J. Lanham, president of LNP Europe, explained. The General Electric research centres – including one currently being built in Munich along US lines – also give LNP Europe the opportunity to conduct research into fillers and reinforcing materials and to develop further additives for series application. LNP has set up its new “Advanced Technology Group” in order to tap these new possibilities.
LNP has also benefited from the acquisition in terms of its product range. LNP´s polyamide product lines have now been supplemented by the flame-retardant PA compounds that were previously marketed under the “Gelon” name by its new parent company. With “Starflam” (flame-retardant) and “Staramid”, LNP is currently able to supply a wide range of PA compounds. Following the production plants in France and Italy, LNP has now set up “Starflam” facilities in the US and in Shanghai, China.
All in all, LNP Engineering Plastics Europe accounts for 25% of the group´s sales worldwide, which are approaching a volume of USD 300m. The aim is for business in Europe to double by 2005. Employee numbers in application development have been stepped up to this end. When it comes to marketing, LNP is additionally receiving support from some 200 employees in the GEP sales department.
Integration into GEP has also provided further stimulus. Having access to the polymer technology of its parent company is allowing LNP to develop not only the customised compounds it has been known for in the past but also completely new product platforms, Bernard J. Lanham, president of LNP Europe, explained. The General Electric research centres – including one currently being built in Munich along US lines – also give LNP Europe the opportunity to conduct research into fillers and reinforcing materials and to develop further additives for series application. LNP has set up its new “Advanced Technology Group” in order to tap these new possibilities.
LNP has also benefited from the acquisition in terms of its product range. LNP´s polyamide product lines have now been supplemented by the flame-retardant PA compounds that were previously marketed under the “Gelon” name by its new parent company. With “Starflam” (flame-retardant) and “Staramid”, LNP is currently able to supply a wide range of PA compounds. Following the production plants in France and Italy, LNP has now set up “Starflam” facilities in the US and in Shanghai, China.
19.06.2003 Plasteurope.com [14528]
Published on 19.06.2003