Interview: “Expanding the footprint around the globe“
Synthomer has restructured at the beginning of the year. Until now, the binder manufacturer has taken a regional approach and is now pursuing a global strategy. The Functional Solutions division is headed by Robert Tupker. He talks about recent investments and the European market.
You have changed the business structure. Why?
Robert Tupker: To accelerate sales growth, sharpen our commercial focus and drive operational efficiencies we have moved to a structure comprising three global businesses. In Functional Solutions this will allow us to better leverage our global product portfolio to meet our customers‘ technology, regulatory and geographical needs. The new structure combines sales, marketing, research and production by business group into global dedicated teams whilst retaining very strong regional strength and local focus.
Robert Tupker
Synthomer
Your business unit is investing in different projects. Are these investments on a global scale?
Tupker: Synthomer’s strategy to focus capital in growing businesses means that we are making a number of investments on a global basis in Functional Solutions. We are expanding or have already increased our footprint in Europe, Asia and in the USA. In Worms, Germany, we are investing in two new fully automated reactors with associated stream stripping.
In Ribecourt, France we have an on-going investment in our re-dispersible powder plant with a new silo and packaging line. In Spartanburg County, USA we are expanding our existing emulsion and polymer facilities with a new automated reactor. It is expected that all new capacity will be available in the first half of 2019. In Sokolov, Czech Republic, we are also planning to invest in facilities including the monomer plant.
How do you rate the situation in the binder market and its challenges?
Tupker: It is a large industry with significant opportunities, many players and where market consolidation is expected to continue. The biggest challenges may well come from technology with further regulatory change anticipated, allowing Synthomer the opportunity to offer differentiated innovative solutions to gain a competitive edge in the market.
