Grace Plans Expansion to Meet Demand for Polypropylene Catalysts

12-17-2009: W. R. Grace & Co. announced plans to increase its manufacturing capacity with the expansion of its facility in Worms, Germany.

The expansion will enable greater production of polypropylene catalysts (commonly marketed under the trade name POLYTRAK(R)) that are used by customers in the production of plastics. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2010 with start up in 2011. The expansion will be built on available land already owned by the company and will benefit from nearby Grace technical resources and infrastructure.

Gregory E. Poling, Vice President of W. R. Grace & Co. and President of Grace Davison, said, "Through this expansion, we are making a commitment to our current and prospective customers that we can meet their long-term needs. We believe in the future of the POLYTRAK(R) product and its potential industry growth."

The Worms site has approximately 900 employees. Products produced at the facility include catalysts, additives and silica-based materials that are used by the refining, industrial, consumer, food and beverage, biotechnology and pharmaceutical segments.