Fakuma International Trade Fair Chosen as Site for European Introduction
AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A. Schulman (NASDAQ:SHLM) today announced the European launch of two new thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) products for automotive applications -- Invision(R) VX EP ultra high-flow TPE, and Invision(R) SLX slush TPE.
Invision(R) VX EP ultra high-flow TPE was developed for multi-component injection molding of large interior parts. It allows manufacturers to mold a base substrate, and then mold another material on top of or adjacent to the base substrate, in a single process step. Previously, this two-shot processing had been prevalent for smaller consumer products, but had not been widely used for soft-touch trim for large automotive parts such as instrument panels, door panels, door bolsters and armrests.
"As automotive molders and integrators seek to further reduce system costs, large part multi-component molding is receiving significant attention as a viable process," said Jeff McCoy, Manager, North America Automotive Marketing for A. Schulman. "A. Schulman has developed a leadership position in materials technology specifically for this unique process. Our specialized TPE chemistries will help our customers develop a similar leadership position in the marketplace." The new ultra high-flow TPE from Invision(R) also allows automakers to achieve greater design flexibility, such as multi-touch and multi-tone designs, as well as improved craftsmanship, including superior grain definition, high-contrast colors, clean lines, and precise fit and finish. Other advantages of Invision(R) ultra high-flow TPE include low surface gloss, low fogging, excellent weatherability, and scratch and mar resistance. Next-generation products are already in development.
Similarly, Invision(R) SLX slush TPE offers manufacturers greater flexibility, allowing for designs with desirable sharp radii and deep curves, along with well-defined grains and cast-in color. For instrument panels, door panels and consoles, Invision(R) SLX offers a cost-effective alternative to slush-molded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or sprayed urethane.
"Invision(R) slush TPE has a lower specific gravity and wider processing window than other products, so manufacturers are able to use less material per part and produce thinner skins, while maintaining performance requirements for the finished part," said Jane Maselli, Invision(R) SLX Program Manager. "In addition, parts made with Invision(R) slush TPE pass stringent automotive industry requirements relating to odor and emissions, and provide excellent long-term UV stability." A. Schulman is the only company licensed to manufacture and market this new slush TPE technology on a global basis.
Both Invision(R) products will be featured at the Fakuma International Trade Fair, October 14-18, in Germany.
"These two new products from Invision(R) represent how we are addressing the needs of the market with technology-driven, customer-focused solutions," said Joseph M. Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of A. Schulman. "They join our Invision(R) line of engineered TPV compounds, TPO sheet technologies, and soft-touch TPEs in meeting a wide range of design challenges and customer requirements, by delivering the right product for the right application." ABOUT A. SCHULMAN Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins. These materials are used in a variety of consumer, industrial, automotive and packaging applications. The company employs about 2,200 people and has 14 manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe (including Asia). Revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, were $1.8 billion. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at http://www.aschulman.com/ .
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use such words as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, but are subject to a variety of uncertainties, unknown risks and other factors concerning the Company's operations and business environment, which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the Company. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements, and that could adversely affect the Company's future financial performance, include, but are not limited to, the following: -- Worldwide and regional economic, business and political conditions,
including continuing economic uncertainties in some or all of the
Company's major product markets;
-- Fluctuations in the value of currencies in major areas where the
Company operates, including the U.S. dollar, euro, U.K. pound sterling,
Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Chinese yuan and Indonesian rupiah;
-- Fluctuations in the prices of sources of energy or plastic resins and
other raw materials;
-- Changes in customer demand and requirements;
-- Escalation in the cost of providing employee health care;
-- The outcome of any legal claims known or unknown;
-- The performance of the North American auto market; and
-- The North American recessionary economy. Additional risk factors that could affect the Company's performance are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it believes to be immaterial also may adversely affect the Company. Should any known or unknown risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, these developments could have material adverse effects on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
This release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management's best analysis only as of the date of this release. A. Schulman does not undertake an obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new events, information or circumstances, or otherwise. Further information concerning issues that could materially affect financial performance related to forward-looking statements can be found in A. Schulman's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. DATASOURCE: A. Schulman CONTACT: Sven Druwen, Product Manager, TPE - Europe, +49-2273-561-124, ; or Jeff McCoy, Manager, North America, Automotive Marketing, +1-330-630-7135, ; or Jane Maselli, Program Marketing Manager, +1-248-515-1769, ; or Paul DeSantis, CFO and Treasurer, +1-330-666-3751, all of A. Schulman Web site: http://www.aschulman.com/
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