Polyone Opens New Research And Development Color Lab At Avon Lake Facility

Cleveland, OH - PolyOne Corporation recently announced the opening of a new research and development color lab at its Avon Lake facility.

The color lab will be used to develop new color and additive solutions such as liquid color systems to meet customer-specific needs. PolyOne will also capitalize on state-of-the-art technology to develop new applications for existing products in markets such as packaging, automotive, wire and cable, and vinyl siding, decking and fencing.

Customers will be able to utilize PolyOne's advanced color matching services. In addition, PolyOne will offer analytical and physical testing services including FTIR, microscopy, haze and light transmission, additives quantification, drop dart impact, bottle drop (up to eight feet), hot fill, and accelerated product compatibility and product weathering testing. The color lab will house lab-scale applications equipment to simulate injection, blow and rotational molding processes.

"Solving our customers' unique problems is the main goal of this new lab," said Peter Prusak, director of technology, PolyOne Color & Additives Masterbatches Group. "Our investment in research and development enables us to continue creating innovative and customized colorant and additive solutions that add value for our customers and just as importantly, their customers."

Six PolyOne color experts will staff the Avon Lake facility including the Color & Additives Masterbatches field technical service team. This team will work closely with customers on part qualifications, color trials and product recommendations.

In the second quarter of 2007, PolyOne is scheduled to add an extrusion line to expand the lab's capabilities. With the addition of the Avon Lake color lab, PolyOne now has seven color labs in the United States. Other locations include Glendale, Arizona; Suwanee, Georgia; Elk Grove Village, Illinois; St. Peters, Missouri; Norwalk, Ohio; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Vonore, Tennessee.

For more information about PolyOne's colorant and additive products and services, contact Peter Prusak, director of technology, PolyOne Color & Additives Masterbatches Group, at 440-930-1440 or at pete.prusak@polyone.com.

SOURCE: PolyOne