SYNTHOMER TO BUILD NEW PLANT IN ASIA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Nitrile latex producer Synthomer, which
is on an expansion mode in the Asian region, plans to set up a new plant to
cater to growing demand as well as invest RM10 million (US$3.3 million) to
enhance its research and development (R&D) in Johor

"The need for additional capacity of 30,000 tonnes require us to look at
another new production site in Asia now to meet customer's requirement,"
Synthomer Asia, Managing Director, Dr Brendan Catlow said.

Speaking at a media briefing Thursday on the company's recent acquisition,
he said the new production facility can support its existing 220,000 tonnes
output capacity annually from two plants in Pasir Gudang and Kluang in the
southern state of Johor.

Dr Brendan said a RM10 million investment will be utilised to further
develop state of the art laboratories, add modern fully automated reactors and
in the recruitment and development of top scientists.

"Besides the nation's high growth potential, Malaysia was chosen because of
the close proximity to our customers and manufacturing facilities," he said.

On April 1, Synthomer parent company, Yule Catto & Co plc completed the
acquisition of synthetic latex producer, PolymerLatex, headquartered in Marl,
Germany from Towerbrook CapitalPartners for 445 million euro.

Dr Brendan said the acquisition has brought Synthomer and PolymerLatex under
the same ownership, creating an emulsion polymers group with a combined turnover
in excess of RM5.5 billion (US$1.83 billion).

"We aim to establish a number one or two position in its chosen market and
geographies, with more than 50 per cent of our sales being generated in Asia and
emerging markets by 2015."

Synthomer and PolymerLatex registered gross sales of 661 million euros and
589 million euro, respectively, last year.

He said Synthomer and PolymerLatex also recently invested close to
RM500 million into technically advanced polymerization plants in Johor, the
largest of its kind in the world.

This is a clear testament of the confidence placed in Malaysia due
to the high political stability, favourable infrastructure and resilient
business environment, he said.

Within the Asian region, Synthomer has established a strong presence in
Malaysia and Vietnam. Its customers include Top Glove, Supermax and Kossan.