Friday, April 3, 2020 - Marl, Germany - Synthomer has completed its acquisition of Omnova Solutions Inc. The transaction creates a global specialty chemicals company with significant scale and a strong platform from which to invest in future growth. Synthomer becomes a major world-wide player in water-based polymer solutions with greater customer reach and strong operational capabilities, and will be in a stronger position to invest in growth, innovation and people. The acquisition materially strengthens Synthomer's presence in North America, as well as increases its presence in Europe and Asia, including further penetration into the high growth Chinese market. Synthomer intends to utilize best practices from across the enlarged group to improve productivity and service. The acquisition is expected to result in estimated recurring run-rate pre-tax cost synergies of $29.6 million per year by the end of the third year, following completion. The acquisition is expected to be earnings accretive in the first full financial year following completion, and strongly accretive thereafter. Omnova will be integrated into Synthomer accounts with immediate effect. Commenting, Calum MacLean, CEO of Synthomer said: “I am very grateful to everyone who has helped us complete our acquisition of Omnova in a relatively short time frame following the initial announcement of the transaction at the start of July. Synthomer now has global reach, a broader product portfolio and increased research and development capabilities with an exciting platform from which to attract talent and invest in future growth. We have already made strong progress to bring our businesses and I look forward to working closely with new colleagues around the world to take Synthomer forward.”

Friday, April 3, 2020 - Cypress, CA - Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (Toyo Tires) announces the new Toyo NanoEnergy M671 super regional drive tire. The newest addition to Toyo Tire’s commercial tire line is said to provide superior traction, exceptional fuel efficiency and excellent wear life. It is also SmartWay verified. Improved tread compounds developed through the company’s proprietary Nano Balance Technology are said to contribute to these desirable features. The M671 also incorporates Toyo Tire’s advanced e-balance design, which maintains the tread profile of the tire, while reducing strain at the bead area and belt edge for greater stability and longevity under heavy loads. It also features an optimized wide tread pattern with 3D sipes that provide even contact pressure, increased traction, and reduces irregular wear for longer tire life. The combination of a high elongation top belt and stone ejectors helps protect the casing from cuts and damage, providing excellent retreadability. Maximum fuel efficiency is achieved through the uniformity of the cap and base compound, which increases wear resistance. Advanced tread and sidewall compounds are said to provide increased fuel efficiency. “The Toyo NanoEnergy M671 super regional drive tire signals a new segment specific product for the evolving freight market,” said Dave Johnston, director of sales for commercial tires at Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “The NanoEnergy line encompasses several fuel saving components while maintaining the durability required in higher scrub super regional fleets. This increases the fleet’s return on their investment and maximizes the life of the tire.” The NanoEnergy M671 super regional drive tire is available now in three SKUs: 295/75R22.5 G/14, 11R22.5 G/14 and 11R22.5 H/16.

Friday, April 3, 2020 - Akron, OH - Rubber World Book Store Special! Buy any book in our bookstore this week and receive a FREE* copy of either our Rubber Red Book or 2019 Blue Book. Use promo code FreeRedBook or FreeBlueBook at check out. *just pay shipping

Friday, April 3, 2020 - East Brunswick, NJ - Elkem Silicones announces a strategic distribution partnership with IMCD, a leading distributor of speciality chemicals and food ingredients, to promote and distribute silicone materials in North America. These silicone materials, including cyclosiloxanes D4 and D5, polydimethylsiloxane oils (PDMS), silanol fluids, functional fluids, emulsions, antifoams, gels and sealants, will be marketed by IMCD for all specialty market applications, including coatings, construction, industrial, home care, cosmetics, personal care, plastics, rubber, lubricants and food. Stocked locally in the United States, Elkem has multiple manufacturing facilities located in Asia, Europe and the United States. “We are excited to extend our silicone solutions with a personal touch in North America through IMCD’s commercial knowledge and market formulation expertise,” said Chris York, president, Elkem Silicones Americas. “We are proud to partner with IMCD, an industry leader, to provide North America customers with Elkem’s high quality silicone materials and convenient access to IMCD’s comprehensive and complementary product portfolio.” “With an established national team positioned in Canada, and the launch of a single IMCD brand in the U.S. last year, IMCD provides our principal suppliers with market-focused sales teams that deliver the technical expertise and local market knowledge to expand business opportunities and solutions for both our suppliers and valued customers,” said Marcus Jordan, Americas president, IMCD. “Representing Elkem’s portfolio across North America upholds our strategy to execute coast-to-coast sales coverage for our partners, and we are thrilled to introduce Elkem’s world-class products to customers in our core markets within the industrial and life sciences industries.”

Friday, April 3, 2020 - Akron, OH - Akron, OH - Many rubber groups affiliated with the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society are either canceling or postponing upcoming meetings and events due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mid-Atlantic Rubber & Plastics Group (www.marpg.org) has canceled its spring technical meeting, originally scheduled to take place May 21 in Exton, PA.

Friday, April 3, 2020 - Santa Ana, CA - Yokohama Tire has good news for drivers of crossovers, smaller SUVs and minivans who are looking for a tire with true all-season traction and handling: The Geolandar CV G058. The H- and V-rated G058, which is engineered specifically for those vehicles, goes on sale April 1 in 33 sizes, ranging from 16- to 20-inch fitments. “With its exceptional wet and winter grip, the long-lasting Geolandar CV G058 is designed to provide true all-season confidence, no matter the weather,” said Bob Abram, Yokohama’s senior manager of product planning. “Plus, it’s backed by Yokohama’s impressive 65,000-mile limited treadwear warranty.”