One of the world's largest BOPET producers Polyplex (New Delhi / India; www.polyplex.com) strikes again. Its most recent acquisition is Scholle Corporation's (Irvine, California / USA; www.scholle.com) Vacumet Plastic division. With this purchase, Polyplex substantially increased its product range to include plastic substrates. Set for completion in July 2012, the deal solidifies Polyplex's strategy for global expansion.

Over the years, the Indian group has steadily expanded, opening several production plants in key locations. Currently, it is building a new BOPET line in Decatur, Alabama / USA with a planned output of 31,000 t/y. In 2011, Polyplex commissioned a thick film PET plant in Thailand, which raised its backward-integrated PET production to 275,000 t/y. Future plans include expanding its production site in Turkey to include production of bottle grade PET – see Plasteurope.com of 11.06.2012.

The North American investment will give Polyplex a wider range of products to offer to its regional customers. Commenting on the deal, Amit Kalra, vice president of the group's North America division, said, "This acquisition will make Polyplex an all-in supplier serving all the packaging needs of our customers by providing them with an expanded product portfolio and giving them increased value through horizontal and vertical integration."