Akcros Chemicals Headquarters Eccles, Manchester, UK

Akcros is part of the Dutch chemicals group Akzo Nobel. Several Akcros additive products have already been mentioned in Chapter 5 of this report. The company and its products were originally geared largely to the PVC industry, but Akcros has diversified to provide additives for use in polyolefins and other resins. Its biocides are targeted at polyethylene, polypropylene, silicones and polyurethanes, as well as PVC. 

The main products still include PVC heat stabilisers (including mixed metal and organotin types), epoxy plasticisers, antistatic additives and viscosity modifiers. The organotin stabilisers are made in Greiz, Germany, and the mixed metal stabilisers in Eccles. There is also a site in New Brunswick, USA, and Akcros America has extensive business in North America. Akcros makes polysulfides as well. 

Employee numbers at Akcros in the UK and Emope were about 1000 three or four years ago, but were reduced by about 30% when the lead stabiliser business was sold in a management buy-out and now, after further deals, the lead stabiliser operation is owned by Chemson. 

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