RadiciGroup suspends acrylic fibre production in Brazil

Radici Fibras Ltda is going to centre its attention on nylon synthetic fibres – of which RadiciGroup is the undisputed leading manufacturer not only in South America but also in Europe – and on research aimed at potential projects for the conversion of the site into a production facility for special technical fibres and carbon-fibre precursors.

RadiciGroup, an industrial multinational with diversified businesses in chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibres, is once again concentrating on its core business of nylon fibre production in Brazil. The Group has announced that, as of 6 January 2014, acrylic fibre production is suspended at its Brazilian site Radici Fibras Ltda in São José dos Campos.

According to company management, this decision is the consequence of the difficult market situation, which, since 2010, has seen a sharp drop in Brazilian domestic acrylic fibre consumption, in combination with the inability to purchase raw materials at competitive prices, increasingly higher energy costs (natural gas in particular) and greater competition from imported finished goods.

All these factors have made necessary the suspension of acrylic fibre production at Radici Fibras Ltda. Nevertheless, the Brazilian site, with its workforce of about 200 employees, will continue and expand production of Radilon nylon synthetic fibres. RadiciGroup is the undisputed leading manufacturer of nylon fibres not only in South America but also in Italy and the rest of Europe.

The acrylic fibre lines are being shut down following procedures to ensure safety and integrity. Under evaluation is a project to convert part of the production site into a facility for the development and industrialization of special technical fibres and carbon-fibre precursors, which have been the object of fruitful research in recent years.

RadiciGroup

Production and sales sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Diversified businesses focusing on chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibres. Know-how. Vertically integrated nylon production. Constant commitment to guaranteeing its customers quality, sustainable innovation and reliability.

RadiciGroup