Teknor Apex acquires Viking Polymers, expands rigid PVC compounding businessTeknor Apex acquires Viking Polymers, expands rigid PVC compounding business

The purchase agreement was with Viking Polymers owner and president John Ammondson, who founded the company in 1994 and will now serve as a consultant to Teknor Apex. Based in Jamestown, NC, Viking Polymers has a nominal annual compounding capacity of 50 million lb. (23,000 metric tons). The acquired business will be part of the Teknor Apex Vinyl Division, continue to operate in Jamestown, NC, and retain all employees, according to Louis R. Cappucci, Teknor Apex vice president and head of the Vinyl Division.  

"While most of the business of the vinyl division of Teknor Apex has historically centered on flexible compounds, rigid PVC plays an increasingly important role in our continued growth," Cappucci said. "The acquisition of Viking Polymers adds substantially to our rigid PVC capabilities and represents a natural extension of our product portfolio into weatherable capstocks, CPVC compounds, and other specialties for the fast-growing building and construction market."

The chief applications for CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) include hot and cold potable water systems and industrial piping. PVC, ASA, acrylic and alloys are custom formulated for applications ranging from house siding, windows, decks, railings, rainwater systems, and fences.

"The weatherable compounds that we have developed at Viking Polymers make possible dark and wood-toned colors that withstand prolonged outdoor exposure," Ammondson said. "With the growing trend in outdoor living, these compounds offer attractive, low maintenance alternatives to wood in standard building applications."