Bloomsburg, PA USA. May, 7 2014 — KYDEX, LLC, the global manufacturer of design-forward thermoplastics, officially opened a state-of-the art materials testing facility, called FSTLab at its Bloomsburg, PA facility this May.
The FSTLab is a space where suppliers, engineers, processors, and end users collaborate with KYDEX research, development and design teams on new fire-resistant technologies and materials, and where KYDEX engineers perform regulatory tests on products throughout the development cycle.
"At KYDEX, we recognize the challenges our clients face. In high profile, highly-regulated industries like aviation and mass transit, sourcing design-forward products that meet industry compliance can be a big challenge." said Ronn Cort, President at KYDEX. "There is no initiative more important than safety. No matter how safe materials are, there is always an opportunity for improvement. The FSTLab aligns with our core commitments to the industries we serve: service, speed, and superiority. Our team of engineers and chemists will be able to further reduce development time of new formulations, in our ongoing commitment to making our products lighter, safer, and more sustainable."
FSTLab defined
The FSTLab includes collaboration areas and six testing laboratories. Worldwide, thermoplastics are often required to meet flammability regulations. The term "FST" refers to flame, smoke development, material toxicity, and heat release testing. Understandably, the aviation and mass transit industries have some of the most stringent FST requirements. The FSTLab will be utilized during product development by two SEKISUI Chemical Company Sheet business brands, KYDEX® Thermoplastics and ALLEN thermoplastics.
A legacy of collaboration
Since 1987, KYDEX has developed a culture of innovation and collaboration, where every employee demonstrates a passion for delivering cutting edge solutions for the industries KYDEX serves. In 2012, KYDEX opened designLab™, a 6,000 square foot design center that includes a color development laboratory, research and development labs, an exhibit space, meeting hall, and collaborative working areas. Since its opening, the designLab™ has been a center of inspiration and collaboration for designers and product development teams worldwide. The FSTLab is the perfect extension and complement to the designLab™ for product ideation and development.
About KYDEX, LLC
KYDEX, LLC, a Sekisui Chemical Group company, is a U.S.-based global leader in specialty thermoplastic sheet design and manufacturing serving global clients across a diverse spectrum of industries including aviation, mass transit, medical devices, retail store fixtures, and industrial equipment housings, among others. From initial inspiration through final implementation, KYDEX serves as a trusted partner to its clients, providing materials in custom color choices and varied textures and finishes while meeting regulatory compliancy. KYDEX exports to over 30 countries worldwide. Delivering exceptional value, responsive service, and breakthrough solutions that are second-to-none is the mission of every member of the KYDEX team. Visit www.kydex.com for more information.
About Sekisui Chemical Company, Ltd
Sekisui Chemical Company, Ltd. was founded in 1948 as Sekisui Sangyo Co., Ltd. With headquarters in Tokyo, it is one of Japan's largest manufacturing companies with upwards of 20,000 employees worldwide who generate annual revenue of over $11 Billion. KYDEX, LLC, formerly Kleerdex Company, was purchased by Sekisui Chemical Co., in 1990. Sekisui opened its first office in America in New York City in the 1950s, and in the 1960s became the first Japanese plastics manufacturer in the U.S. when they opened a plant in Pennsylvania to manufacture polystyrene paper. Sekisui America Corporation (SAC) was formed in 1983, and today, the American Sekisui subsidiaries include twelve companies. Visit www.sekisuichemical.com for more information.