Elkem has signed an agreement to acquire a new plant near Lyon in France, which is custom-designed for producing specialized organo-functional silicones (OFS).

Related: Elkem Silicones’ Puresil ORG 01 Wins Innovation Award

As production is expected by the end of the year, the acquisition supports Elkem’s strategy of growth and specialization for silicones. Organo-functional silicones combine the performance of silicones with the functionality, compatibility and potential reactivity of organic materials. According to the company, the advanced processing produces OFS products with specialized properties.  

The OFS plant is located near Elkem Silicones’ existing activities south of Lyon, including both the upstream plant in Roussillon as well as the production site and R&D center in Saint-Fons.

“This acquisition reinforces Elkem’s solid footprint in France," said Bertrand Mollet, EMEA region director of Elkem Silicones. "The new production capacity is in line with our commitment to support our development in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region."

“With this acquisition, Elkem continues to deliver on our growth and specialization strategy,” said Michael Koenig, CEO of Elkem. “This new plant will enable us to more quickly extend our offerings within advanced high value products for attractive specialty markets, further strengthening our position in fully integrated silicone manufacturing.”

“Elkem already has a broad global offering of advanced silicone solutions, ranging from commodities to specialties,” added Frederic Jacquin, SVP of Elkem Silicones. “We have recently complemented our portfolio of specialties with the acquisitions of Polysil and Basel Chemie. The acquisition of this new OFS plant provides the technology and capacity to further accelerate our growth, particularly within release coatings, personal care and other specialty markets. It is a good example of how we position for the future, in a complex market environment.”

Previously: Elkem Silicones’ Sensory Enhancing Brand, Puresil