DuPont Acquires Czech Republic PVB Business

Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont has acquired Retrim, a safety glass interlayer company, with plant operations in Zlin, Czech Republic. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. DuPont said Czech Republic government regulatory approval was received in January.

DuPont will acquire the complete Retrim business, including some 50 employees and proprietary technology allowing the re-use of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) trim materials produced during the manufacture of automotive and architectural laminated glass.

"This acquisition is consistent with the company's stated goal of increasing its presence in growing markets. And, it helps DuPont offer improved efficiency and value-adding services to DuPont customers," said Craig F. Binetti, vice president and general manager - DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. "Adding a safety glass interlayer manufacturing plant and PVB expertise in the Czech Republic bolsters DuPont presence in central and eastern Europe so we can be a preferred supplier and innovator in those markets."

Binetti said DuPont anticipated a smooth transition of ownership with no supply or other interruptions for existing Retrim customers. He said PVB products from the Czech plant will continue to be marketed using the Czechtrim® brand.

"Acquiring Retrim also underlines the commitment of DuPont to environmentally responsible manufacturing," Binetti said. "The acquisition will allow DuPont to make the best use of available techniques for using recycled PVB in making high-quality interlayers for use in safety glass."