Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. recently announced the completion of its multi-million-dollar capital investment projects to support sales growth in Cariflex(TM) isoprene rubber, a pure, high-performance alternative to natural rubber.

The company converted a plant at its manufacturing site in Belpre, Ohio, for new solid isoprene rubber (IR) capacity. This production capability replaces the capacity from the Pernis, Netherlands, facility that closed in 2009. Kraton Polymers also completed an IR latex expansion at its plant in Brazil, which increased production by 30%. The company anticipates a new capacity addition at its Japan facility in about two years as well.

“These combined investments represent a very substantial capacity capability that will support the needs of our existing customers, as well as our expansion into new markets for this material,” said Kevin M. Fogarty, president and CEO. “With this significant increase in capacity and an unmatched global service network, our customers can be assured of secure supplies anywhere in the world.”

For more information, visitwww.kraton.com.