Crompton forms silane joint venture in China

GREENWICH, Conn. (July 11)—Crompton Corp. has formed a joint venture with China's largest producer of silanes to make organofunctional silanes for China and export. Crompton, whose Osi Specialties business makes silanes under the Silquest, CoatOSil, Silcat and XL-Pearl brands, has teamed up with Nanjing Shuguang General Chemical Co. in Nanjing in forming Nanjing Crompton Shuguang Organosliocon Specialties Ltd. Crompton is the majority shareholder. Establishing a venture in China is part of Crompton's commitment to a cost leadership position and a global supply network to support customers, according to Vincent A. Calarco, chairman, president and CEO. The venture's products will be used by customers in coatings, adhesives, sealants, fiberglass, rubber and electronics applications, Crompton said. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.