7 May 2013

DSM DYNEEMA AND FNSS SIGN LETTER OF INTENT FOR FUTURE COOPERATION ON LIGHTWEIGHT, HIGH-PERFORMANCE ARMOR PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

Istanbul, Turkey, 7 May 2013 - DSM Dyneema and FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. today signed a Letter of Intent here at the IDEF 2013 exhibition. DSM Dyneema is the manufacturer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fiber, branded as Dyneema®, and world leader in life protection materials; and FNSS is a leading producer of armored vehicles, based in Turkey. The signing affirms the companies’ mutual interest in further cooperation to provide the best armor protection for FNSS’s armored vehicles by capitalizing on the company’s world-class manufacturing capabilities and DSM Dyneema’s unique balance of cost efficiencies and exceptional high performance to meet all necessary requirements. DSM Dyneema and FNSS recently worked together on a major military vehicle project, the details of which will be jointly announced by the two companies shortly.

The Letter of Intent was signed by Dirk Louwers, marketing manager Life Protection, EMEA, DSM Dyneema, Bastiaan de Koning, director sales, EMEA, DSM Dyneema, Nail Kurt, general manager and CEO, FNSS, and Reed McPeak, assistant general manager, FNSS. It was signed in the presence of The Netherlands Minister of Defence, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, at the DSM Dyneema booth #284A in Hall 2.

The letter demonstrates the strong and longstanding collaborative relationship between The Netherlands and Turkey, and underscores DSM Dyneema’s commitment to FNSS as a valued customer. Both companies will concentrate on the development of improved armor concepts, mainly spall liner systems, to meet market demand for cost efficiency, high performance, low weight, and enhanced design flexibility for vehicle manufacturers. They will explore the commercialization of improved armor designs with the Dyneema® material in FNSS vehicles for Turkey’s domestic and export markets.

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Notes for editors

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 23,500 employees deliver annual net sales of about €9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ are trademarks of DSM. Use of these trademarks is prohibited unless strictly authorized.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Related images

Front row from left to right:
Dirk Louwers (marketing manager Life Protection, EMEA, DSM Dyneema) and Reed McPeak (assistant general manager, FNSS)
Back row from left to right:
Mr. Bastiaan de Koning (director sales, EMEA, DSM Dyneema), Minister of Defence Mrs. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Nail Kurt (general manager and CEO, FNSS)
(Photo DSM Dyneema, DYNPA248)

DYNPA248a