14 Nov 2001
Strong demand for VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer drives production capacity increase
Demand for VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer reached record levels for the year ended 30 September 2001, with sales of approximately 1600 tonnes - representing a 21 percent increase over the previous year.
The outstanding performance of PEEK™ polymer was a direct reflection of the material’s continuing penetration of new markets and broadening range of applications, evidenced by more than 150 new applications being commercialised during the year.
As a result of this strong sales performance, which caused a temporary supply constraint, Victrex has worked promptly to increase production capacity and has now uprated its supply chain to support 2,300 tonnes per annum, to stay ahead of forecast demand. Moreover, the enhancement process is ongoing with the objective of achieving a further 500 tonnes increase by October 2003 to 2,800 tonnes per annum.
Aside from commitment to many new applications worldwide for which PEEK™ polymer is being specified, Victrex has also made a specific commitment to the medical sector. Earlier this year Victrex established Invibio Ltd, a company dedicated to providing biomaterial solutions for the medical implants market. Experience since the launch in 2000 of biocompatible PEEK-OPTIMA® polymer indicated that the special needs of this complex, highly regulated application area, required a totally focused response which Invibio now gives through its PEEK-OPTIMA® family of implantable polymers.
Although all major economies are currently subject to a slowing of activity, Victrex firmly believes that PEEK™ polymer will continue to be a strong performer in each of the market sectors it serves.
Reader enquiries
Helen SwarbrickVictrex plc
Victrex Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom
Tel +44 1253 897700
Fax +44 1253 897701
United Kingdom
Notes for editors
Victrex plc, which has its sales, technical and production headquarters at Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK. The company exports 98 percent of its VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer output to OEMs in the automotive, industrial, medical, food and electronics market sectors in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Information on products, technical support services and sales and distribution contacts worldwide, can be accessed through the company’s web sites: www.victrex.com and www.invibio.com
The PEEK™ Trademark
For many years Victrex plc has been using the PEEK™ trademark to refer to its brand of Polyaryletherketone. Victrex plc is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the PEEK™ brand polymer world-wide. PEEK™ is a trademark of Victrex plc.