Geon will Upgrade Henry, IL PVC Dispersion Plant

The Geon Company announced today a $19 million modernization and expansion of its Henry, IL specialty polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dispersion resin plant. The capital investment will create a manufacturing line and expand capacity by approximately 25 percent.

The modernization, which will begin later this year, will be completed in the third quarter of 1999. Production at the plant will continue during the project.

"This investment in new technologies is further demonstration of our progress toward building valued businesses that create improved earnings growth for Geon," said Thomas A. Waltermire, Geon president and chief operating officer. "This project testifies to the dedication the entire specialty dispersion resin team has put forth, especially our people at Henry."

Geon's Henry plant employs 100 people and is a source of specialty dispersion resin for use in the top wear layer of vinyl flooring, as well as in the decal and metal coating markets. Specialty dispersion resins have additional applications in automotive products, fabric coatings and commercial carpet backing. The Henry plants also produces blending and powder coating PVC resins.