(Plastics Today) -- Taiwan Synthetic Rubber Corp. has boosted its thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) capacity, global reach, and technology portfolio through the USD168 mln acquisition of Dexco Polymers LP, the ExxonMobil Chemical and Dow Chemical joint venture. Headquartered in Houston with manufacturing in Plaquemine, LA, Dexco has annual production capacity of 32 KT and 30 KT tonnes of styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers, respectively.
Tu and other TSRC and Dexco officials said that the acquisition was initially announced on Dec. 23, 2010, with the last few months spent on regulatory approval and integration plans. As part of those plans, Dexco will retain its staff, including current president, Chris Mudd, as well as its company name and the trade names of its products, including the Vector line of materials.
TSRC believes the addition of Dexco will help it leapfrog from the eighth largest producer of styrene block copolymers in the world in into the top five globally, with more than 100 KTa of annual SBC production. Company wide and including all products, TSRC has more than 500 KT of capacity.