As part of an effort to enhance its presence in North America, ABS specialist ELIX Polymers is opening a central warehouse in the US state of New Jersey to enable shorter lead times for customers buying its ABS and ABS/PC blends. The company’s main office is located in Florida, which expects to have an initial team of four people on the ground by the end of 2016, covering both the US and Mexico.

Gerhald Claussen, business manager Americas, called the new supply set-up “a significant step for both our company – and our customers. Having a local team will facilitate easier communication, faster responses and shorter lead times, as well as local US dollar pricing, invoicing and payments,” he said.

Key among the offerings are ABS specialties that will be available as custom colored grades, as well as ELIX's technology for high heat-resistant grades, offering specific customer-oriented solutions. Key markets expected to benefit from the move include automotive, appliances, healthcare, consumer, toys, E&E and building and construction.

The company’s 180,000 t/y production facilities for the portfolio acquired by private equity investor Sun European Partners from Styrolution in 2012 are located at Tarragona, Spain. The bulk of the business has changed hands several times over the past two decades, at times belonging to Monsanto, Bayer, Lanxess and Ineos.

A major difference between ELIX grades of ABS and ABS/PC and those of competitors is the use of a unique and proprietary technology, which is responsible for making the materials more sustainable, the company said.