- Closure of 80 kiloton polystyrene site in Trelleborg, Sweden by end of 2014
- 51 employees affected
- Operations to shift to Antwerp, Belgium and Wingles, France
- Aimed at enhancing cost structures and maximizing asset utilization in EMEA
Closure Announcement
Styrolution plans to close its 80 kiloton polystyrene production site in Trelleborg, Sweden by the end of 2014. This decision will impact all 51 employees at the site. The company will continue to serve its customers from its other polystyrene production sites in Antwerp, Belgium, and Wingles, France, maintaining the same quality and service standards.
Strategic Objectives
The closure aims to enhance the long-term economic sustainability of Styrolution's polystyrene business in the EMEA region. By shutting down the Trelleborg site, the company seeks to improve cost structures and maximize the utilization of its production assets in Antwerp and Wingles.
Market Dynamics
Kevin McQuade, President EMEA at Styrolution, cited decreasing demand, overcapacity, and underutilization in the European polystyrene market as key factors influencing this decision. These market conditions have also affected Styrolution's business, necessitating the closure to strengthen its position in the region.
Future Focus
Despite the closure, polystyrene remains a crucial part of Styrolution's portfolio. The company aims to support its Triple Shift growth strategy, which focuses on styrenic specialties, ABS Standard, emerging markets, and higher-growth industries.
