Value-Added Acrylics Solve New Challenges Faced by Electronics Manufacturers  

Parsippany, NJ (January 30, 2007) – Electronics manufacturers are challenged by several unique trends that are making the material selection decision more critical than ever. In addition to adapting to the continual miniaturization of devices, which require durable and lightweight materials, electronics companies must also take measures to ensure quality worldwide as manufacturing operations are expanded overseas. Moreover, consumers are demanding higher definition technologies with crystal clear displays. CYRO Industries is teaming with Degussa, its parent company and a global leader in acrylics for the electronics industry, to offer a comprehensive line of ACRYLITE PLUS® multipolymer compounds to meet these new requirements. Together CYRO and Degussa provide customers access to global solutions, combining highly transparent, lightweight and impact-resistant molding materials with worldwide availability to ensure consistency of supply.

Device Miniaturization

From ever smaller cell phones to lighter weight laptops and Personal Digital Assistants, the continual miniaturization of electronic devices is driving the need for value-added materials, since these portable products, which rely on sensitive internal components, are handled frequently and often roughly.  Electronics manufacturers need materials that maximize durability and at the same time lighten the weight of their products. To accommodate these product needs, CYRO offers several grades of acrylic polymer compounds with a range of impact strength levels. 

CYRO’s ACRYLITE PLUS® acrylic molding compounds possess both impact and scratch resistant properties and are highly transparent, making them a natural fit for optical electronics applications. With nine different grades, the ACRYLITE PLUS compound family allows manufacturers to choose the best balance of properties for their specific application, including chemical resistance and processability requirements.

 “As devices become smaller, electronics manufacturers simply cannot sacrifice durability for lighter weight, or clarity for scratch-resistance,” says Mike Gibson, Optical Electronic Market Development Manager, CYRO Industries. “CYRO’s diverse portfolio of value-added acrylics provides an arsenal of options so that manufacturers can continue to meet evolving consumer demands efficiently and effectively.” 

The ultra-slim devices currently in fashion also bring unique production challenges. This is because as devices diminish in size, the mold cavities used to make the devices decrease in size as well. In order to consistently fill these intricate molds and meet tight tolerances, manufacturers require high-flow materials with greater processability.  ACRYLITE PLUS® zk6HF acrylic compound offers superior melt flow, high optical clarity and impact resistance making it useful for thin wall applications. 

Consistent Quality Worldwide

As electronics companies continue to expand their operations into other parts of the globe, they are challenged to maintain quality and product consistency. Firms that design products in one area of the world and manufacture them in another can encounter production problems. Designers may test and specify a material into a prototype only to discover that it is not available in the contracted manufacturer’s region, causing product launch delays and unnecessary expenses.  

CYRO’s and Degussa’s global reach solves this issue, supported by authorized distributors worldwide. A designer who tests and specifies a CYRO acrylic compound in a research facility in North America can be sure that the same material is available for production in Asia, for example.  This adds a level of quality assurance not always possible when working with materials providers with limited international presence. 

A New Level of Clarity

Clarity is a critical feature for optical electronics manufacturers. As the demand for higher definition and Liquid Crystal Displays grows, so too does the need for materials with a greater level of transparency.  The ACRYLITE PLUS line of compounds offers products with superior clarity to meet the exacting standards of electronics manufacturers.

“In the electronics industry, technological breakthroughs often evolve devices to new levels of functionality,” says Gibson.  “CYRO will continue to develop new materials to help electronics manufacturers adapt to continual advancements and corresponding material quality demands.”  

About CYRO

CYRO Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary of Degussa.  Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, CYRO is North America’s largest acrylic sheet manufacturer and a leading producer of acrylic polymer products and MMA. As the innovative suppliers of specialty acrylic solutions to existing and emerging markets, CYRO and Degussa offer broad technological and global resources to respond to market demands.  CYRO offers on-line technical support 24/7, through the TechKnowlogy Center at www.cyro.com.

For more information, contact: CYRO Industries, 379 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, NJ 07054, USA; Tel: 800-631-5384; Fax: 973-541-8445; or visit www.cyro.com. 

Degussa:

Creating EssentialsTM Degussa is the global market leader in specialty chemicals. Our business is creating essentials: innovative products and system solutions that make indispensable contributions to our customers’ success. In fiscal 2005, our 44,000 employees worldwide generated sales of $13.9 billion and operating profits (EBIT) of $1.1 billion.

ROCKAWAY, N.J., July 1, 2006

When CYRO Industries first opened for business, a gallon of gasoline cost 59 cents, it took 13 cents to mail a letter, and a new home had an asking price of $48,000.

Today, gasoline prices have skyrocketed, the cost of mailing a letter has more than tripled and a new house costs hundreds of thousands.

But CYRO, part of Degussa’s Methacrylates Business Unit serving North America, continues to be a leading manufacturer of methylmethacrylate (MMA)-based products including standard and specialty monomers, polymer and sheet products. Gregor Hetzke, President of the Business Unit comments: “With the acquisition of CYRO one year ago, along with the significant ongoing investments being made, CYRO has come to play a meaningful role in Degussa’s global Methacrylates business”.

"This year’s observance marks 30 years of leadership in the acrylics industry,” remarks John Rolando, President of CYRO Industries. “Being the premier company is a remarkable achievement for any firm in these changing, often turbulent times.” Rolando added that there are few companies with such an established presence in the specialty chemical marketplace as CYRO. “We are justifiably proud of our achievements over the past three decades and we want to celebrate our 30 years of excellence and entrepreneurial spirit that have propelled CYRO to the top of the industry,” he added.

Rolando adds that CYRO is not the same company it was 30 years ago or even three years ago. In June 2005, Germany’s Degussa AG acquired Cytec Industries Inc.'s 50 percent holding in CYRO - a joint venture established in 1976 between Rohm GmbH, which was later purchased by Degussa, and Cytec - making CYRO Industries a wholly owned subsidiary of the Düsseldorf, Germany-based company. Integration began immediately to assimilate the company’s systems with Degussa’s and the project is on track.

CYRO Industries manufactures and markets ACRYLITE^® acrylic sheet and polymer products as well as methylmethacrylates in the Americas. The company employs approximately 700 at its manufacturing facilities in Mobile, Ala., Sarasota, Fla.; Wallingford, Conn.; Fortier, La.; Sanford, Me; and, Osceola, Ark. Currently headquartered in Rockaway, NJ, CYRO also has research and development (R&D) facilities and sales and technical service locations in Sanford and Wallingford.

“CYRO Industries has continued to be a leading producer for the past 30 years, and we plan to do the same in the next 30 years - and beyond,” said Rolando. “We have continually transformed to meet the needs of our customers,” Rolando continued. This includes investing in new products such as a methacrylic acid plant in Fortier, LA with output planned for the first quarter 2007.

“One thing hasn’t changed over these 30 years: Our commitment to excellence and a willingness by our employees to go the extra mile for the company and our customers. We couldn’t have achieved this 30 year milestone without an excellent product, loyal employees and an enviable client base,” said Rolando.

The company has scheduled a special cruise in Boston for the employees with thirty plus service years with CYRO. In addition, picnics, anniversary luncheons and other observances are planned for a number of the company’s locations.

“CYRO has had a remarkably loyal, extremely competent work force throughout the years,” said Rolando. “We highly value the efforts of our colleagues and are involving them in the 30th anniversary celebrations. In many ways we are celebrating our employees’ commitment to excellence which is the key to our successful 30 year history.”