Chem-Trend, a global leader in specialty release agent solutions across multiple industries and applications, has acquired the Zyvax business allowing them to offer customers and distributors an expanded portfolio of product technologies for use in FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) and the growing advanced composites markets.

“Today’s move will result in synergies derived from the innovation capabilities in release agent technology and composites industry expertise of both companies, which will help us further enhance the product and service offering to our customers,” said Chem-Trend President and CEO Devanir Moraes.

“With the acquisition of the Zyvax business, Chem-Trend will provide end users and distributors with release systems and complementary molding process aids that create even greater value, efficiency and productivity in the development and manufacturing of FRP and advanced composite components.”

Analysts expect the use of advanced composite materials to increase at a double-digit rate as companies seek to gain efficiencies through reducing overall product weight.  Significantly lighter than metal, composite components can help shed pounds while maintaining, or even strengthening, a part’s structural integrity.

Zyvax, a recognized and respected maker of molding process systems, was founded in 1985 by Nancy Layman, who was an early leader in, and dedicated most of her career to, developing specialty release systems for the composites industry. It has always been Layman’s vision to drive innovation globally with the most efficient products for use in advanced composites manufacturing.

Layman is confident that having Zyvax becoming part of Chem-Trend will benefit the entire market going forward and will continue her vision of strengthening and expanding the Zyvax brand throughout the world. She will actively support this transition process, working with Chem-Trend and Zyvax customers for a successful integration of the Zyvax product-line as an integral part of the Chem-Trend portfolio.

“Much like Chem-Trend, Zyvax has advanced the industry with performance-oriented products, scientific know-how and forward thinking,” said Layman. “Our reputation mirrors that of Chem-Trend for high-quality release systems, leading-edge technology and manufacturing efficiency.

“Customers will enjoy the benefits of this seamless integration as Chem-Trend extends its portfolio in the aerospace and other advanced composites markets with Zyvax’s premium products and industry expertise.”

Zyvax was first to market with a line of solvent-free, water-based release systems engineered to meet the stringent requirements of advanced composite processes. Today, Zyvax’s customers include major OEM(s) and molded parts manufacturers to the aerospace, wind energy, automotive, sporting goods and oil & gas industries.

“Composite molding represents a large and fast growing market for high-efficiency release systems, especially for environmentally sustainable, water-based product solutions” Moraes said. “By integrating and synergizing the breadth of the two companies' release agent technologies and product lines, Chem-Trend will be in a stronger position to help customers protect their tooling investment, maximize molding productivity and improve part quality.”

With over 50 years of dedicated release agent experience, Chem-Trend has an expansive global presence, with production facilities on four continents, offices or local representatives in 20 countries, and a distribution network covering more than 50 countries. Chem-Trend is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of specialty release agents.

Chem-Trend products are used in a broad range of industry segments such as composites, die cast, polyurethane, rubber, thermoplastics, wood composite and in the manufacturing of tires. Chem-Trend’s global sales and technical service representatives work on-site with customers to maximize release agent value addition and provide dependable application expertise.