ROMULUS, Mich. (Feb. 1, 2010)—Thermoplastic polyurethane and other soft elastomers demand will grow 20-30 percent in the first quarter, most notably in the automotive and industrial sectors, according to Alliance Polymers and Services L.L.C.
The company—which offers warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service for TPU and other elastomers processors and marketers—said it bases its forecast on company sales and customer inquiries during the last quarter of 2009.
Compared to sales of similar polymers over the past months, the Alliance Polymers has seen a massive jump in inquiries and orders, said Stephane Morin, co-founder of the company. He said a particular surge of interest has been for in industrial and automotive applications, for materials that provide a high degree of softness and durability.
Alliance Polymers predicts the upswing is just the start of a resurgence of new growth in the many markets where thermoplastic elastomers are used, because of their favorable processing and end-use features and benefits.
The company is based in Romulus and offers warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service. The firm is owned and operated by Morin and Roger J. Huarng, both formerly of BASF Corp.