Huntsman completes elastomers expansion in US

Ringwood, Illinois – Huntsman Corp. has completed a series of strategic investments at its thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) manufacturing site in Ringwood, where it produces elastomers for end applications in paint protection films and security glazing.

In a 10 March statement, Huntsman said that it had constructed a purpose-built TPU manufacturing facility for protective film technologies at the site over the last two years.

The facility, it added, is fitted with “cutting edge automation equipment” and increases output for Krystalgran and Krystalflex TPU portfolios.

The two products, Huntsman said, offer “exceptional pliability, product quality & consistency, and UV resistance.”

Krystalgran products, which are sold as pellets, are used to enhance paint protection in the automotive industry but are also used in electronic film applications.

Krystalflex films, which are used in interlayer laminating applications within the glass industry, help strengthen anti-ballistic glass used in military vehicles, banks and government buildings.

“Demand for surface protection solutions, and specifically for paint protection films, has accelerated in the last few years,” said Trent Shidaker, global director of marketing at Huntsman for Elastomers.

Once solely employed in the luxury vehicle market, films are now used to protect mainstream vehicle makes and models from chips, scuffs, scrapes and UV weathering, he added.

“It’s an exciting time to be in this sector and our recent investments reflect our commitment to the market and our customers,” Shidaker concluded.