A. Schulman Inc. (Akron, OH) has acquired Brazilian masterbatch additive producer and engineered plastics compounder Mash Compostos Plasticos (São Paulo), calling the South American country "a key market" in its overall growth strategy. On April 30, A. Schulman's acquisition of ICO Inc. included two facilities in Brazil. Joseph M. Gingo, A. Schulman chairman, president, and CEO, noted the importance of Brazil for his company going forward. "Brazil is a highly attractive market for A. Schulman," Gingo said. "It is a large, diversified market with strong macroeconomic fundamentals." Gingo also noted the growth potential of the market based on its relatively low per capita consumption of plastic. Compared to per capita plastics consumption of around 130 kg in the U.S., Brazil's resin consumption amounts to 27 kg. ICO in Brazil targeted rotational molding with crosslinked PE foam, PE, and PP, and offices in São Paulo, Bahia, and Minas Gerais.

Certified ISO 9001:2000, Mash Compostos Plasticos began operations in 2004, with its São Paulo plant re-certified in 2009 to ISO 9001:2008. The company's products include additive concentrates, fillers, and glass fibers; compounded resins; color concentrates; and tolling services. The company's 12,000m² plant has capacity for 400 tons/month, creating compounds based on PP, ABS, PC, PPS, and POM, among others, with additive packages for flame retardancy, antioxidants, antitstatic, and UV absorption. Elsewhere in Latin America, A. Schulman operates offices in Monterrey and Mexico City, Mexico, with a production facility in San Luis Potosi that opened in 1995. —[email protected]