US continuously processed acrylic sheet product manufacturer Plaskolite (Columbus, Ohio; www.plaskolite.com) has formed a joint venture with Turkish thermoformed plastics producer Isik Plastik (Gebze Kocaeli; www.isikplastik.com.tr) to build a cast acrylic manufacturing facility in Malatya / Turkey. Investment costs of the jv or the ownership shares were not disclosed. The facility, whose nameplate capacity remains unknown, is due for start-up in H2 2013.

Aimed at strengthening Plaskolite’s global customer services, the new plant will produce cell cast acrylic, which is characterised by high chemical resistance, gauge and colour range. The material is a new addition to Plaskolite’s portfolio and also complements that of Isik Plastik. The US group said the joint venture would be able to raise output once on stream.

Plaskolite claims to be the largest producer of continuously processed acrylic sheet products in the US. Headquartered in Columbus, the group employs 475 worldwide at manufacturing sites in Colombus, Zanesville, Grand Saline, Compton and Olive Branch in the US as well as in Monterrey / Mexico.

Isik Plastik’s portfolio comprises thermoformed food and consumer goods packaging, industrial sheets, compounds and masterbatches. Started up in 1997, its 22,000 m² plant turns out about 30,000 t/y.