Norplex-Micarta Acquires Solvay’s CYPLY E-Glass Line to Expand High-Performance Laminated Sheet Offerings

Photo Credit: Norplex-Micarta

Norplex-Micarta (Postville, Iowa, U.S.) announced on Sept. 21 that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Solvay Speciality Polymers (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) to acquire the product line designated as CYPLY. The acquisition will enable Norplex-Micarta to extend its position in laminated sheet products into a new, high performance set of applications, says vice president, Denny Ford.

According to the company, the CYPLY line of materials — which has roots in ScotchPLY — is based on a nonwoven, continuous parallel filament E-glass with epoxy resin. This type of construction is said to minimize filament stress that can shorten fatigue life in conventional reinforced plastics. Upon closing, CYPLY will be rebranded to NorPLY.

Solvay and Norplex-Micarta are actively planning the transition of the assets included in the purchase, and the transaction is expected to close in early 2021.

“While NorPLY is a laminated sheet, the base inputs and pressing technology are different from Norplex-Micarta’s current processes. With this in mind, we have decided to establish a new entity, called Norplex Advanced Composites, to hold these assets and service this segment of customers. Norplex Advanced Composites will be located in a purpose-built facility in Manhattan, Montana,” adds Ford. Alan Johnson has been named general manager of this new company and will be relocating to Montana in late 2020.

More information on the new company will be announced in the coming weeks, in line with the transition and close of the acquisition.