Specialty chemicals and advanced materials firm Solvay is initiating a project to boost production of Tecnoflon brand FKM peroxide curable fluoroelastomer by about 30% at its Spinetta Marengo, Italy manufacturing plant, a company press release announced Thursday. 

Slated to come online in May 2021, the new production assets will assist Solvay in meeting increased demand for high-performance sealing products in the oil and gas, semiconductor, and automotive industries. 

“Solvay over the past few years has globalized its leadership position in Tecnoflon FKM fluoroelastomers by expanding our manufacturing footprint in Europe, the United States, and China. Our global presence and technological expertise allow us to consistently serve and anticipate the growing demand of our customers for these advanced materials,” Solvay Executive Committee Member Augusto Di Donfrancesco said in a statement. “The most recent investment solidifies our leadership in peroxide curable FKM, enabling advanced applications such as cutting-edge turbocharger designs that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and allow for smaller, lighter engines.”

Plans were also recently revealed to boost FLM fluoroelastomer production at Solvay’s plant in Changshu, China. The product is  used in hybrid and electric vehicles, low emission internal combustion engines, and automotive components like turbocharger hoses and seals and gaskets. FLM fluoroelastomer also helps to create a high-purity environment for the wearable electronics and semiconductor industries. 

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