Evonik Cyro Streamlines Sanford Acrylic Sheet Production
Reducing Manufacturing Complexity Means Greater Focus On Customer Needs
Evonik Cyro announced today that following a global supply chain review, it is streamlining its U.S. acrylic sheet manufacturing operation to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
As a result, the cell cast production line at the Sanford manufacturing facility will be phased out in the fourth quarter of 2010 and Evonik will source the product from its operations in Germany, Austria and China.
In connection with the phased closure of the cell cast production line, the company anticipates a reduction of approximately 30 positions at the Sanford site.
“All the employees impacted by this decision have worked diligently, safely and professionally,” said Drew Scott, Plant Manager of Evonik’s Cyro site. “While we regret the need to close this production line, we are working hard to minimize the impact on employees,” he added.
“Our challenge is to redefine how we approach our manufacturing operations, not just to reduce staffing. As we do so, we are committed to maintaining our high standards in the areas of safety, environment and health,” said John Rolando, President of Evonik Cyro. “We are still committed to the North American cell cast market and by closing this production line and reducing the complexity of our manufacturing operation we will be able to focus our resources more efficiently and continue to meet the needs of our customers in terms of quality and delivery.”
The Sanford site will continue to manufacture continuously manufactured acrylic sheet and molding compounds.
Evonik Cyro continues to invest in new equipment and technology at Sanford to ensure the facility is a key manufacturer of acrylic for the specialty and growth markets.
Cell cast material is used in applications such as museum display cases, framing, retail displays, aquariums and signage.
Company information
Evonik Cyro LLC is an Evonik Degussa Corporation group company. Headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., Evonik Cyro is a leading manufacturer of acrylic sheet and molding compounds, and bulk and performance monomers. Evonik Cyro manufactures and markets its acrylic sheet and polymer products under the ACRYLITE® trade name in the Americas. These same products are manufactured and marketed under the PLEXIGLAS® trade name on the European, Asian, African and Australian continents.
Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group from Germany. In our core business of specialty chemicals, we are a global leader. In addition, Evonik is an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our company’s performance is shaped by creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In its fiscal year 2009 about 39,000 employees generated sales of about €13.1 billion and an operating profit (EBITDA) of about €2.0 billion.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume any obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.