Trinseo considers closing German polycarbonate site
© Reuters.
WAYNE, Pa. – Trinseo (NYSE: NYSE:), a global provider of specialty material solutions, is contemplating the potential shutdown of its polycarbonate production facility in Stade, Germany by the end of 2024.
The decision, pending a consultation with the Stade Works Council in line with German legislation, could see the company cease production of virgin polycarbonate at the site. Instead, Trinseo plans to source polycarbonate externally for its downstream businesses, a move expected to enhance annual profitability by $15 million to $20 million compared to 2023.
The potential closure is a response to a persistent oversupply in the EMEA market, which has led to softened demand and price drops, as offshore producers continue to push material into the market. Trinseo’s CEO, Frank Bozich, cited significant fixed operating costs at the Stade facility as an additional factor compromising the site’s financial viability.
Previously, in the third quarter of 2023, Trinseo had identified the Stade location as a possible site for a polycarbonate dissolution facility as part of its commitment to modern recycling technologies. The company has been actively integrating these technologies to assist customers in developing sustainable products.
This commitment is underscored by the opening of a polycarbonate-dissolution pilot facility in Terneuzen, the Netherlands. Trinseo continues to explore various options for suitable locations to establish resilient and adaptive recycling plants, maintaining recycling as a strategic focus for the business.
Trinseo, with a workforce of approximately 3,100 employees, operates globally, with locations across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The company reported net sales of around $3.7 billion in 2023 and emphasizes its role in partnering with companies to innovate sustainably.
The information discussed in this article is based on a press release statement.
InvestingPro Insights
As Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) navigates through the challenges in the polycarbonate market and the potential closure of its Stade facility, it is important to consider the company’s financial health and market performance. An InvestingPro analysis reveals a market capitalization of $168.91 million, indicating the size of the company in the competitive materials sector. The company’s aggressive share buyback program, as noted in one of the InvestingPro Tips, reflects management’s confidence in the company’s value.
However, Trinseo’s financial metrics show some areas of concern. The company has a negative P/E ratio of -0.42 for the last twelve months as of Q4 2023, and its gross profit margin stands at a low 3.87%. This aligns with another InvestingPro Tip highlighting weak gross profit margins, which could be a contributing factor to the strategic decisions being made regarding the Stade facility. Additionally, the stock has experienced significant price declines over the past year, with a one-year price total return of -75.58%, underscoring the volatility and the downward pressure on the stock price.
Investors looking for more in-depth analysis and additional InvestingPro Tips can explore the full spectrum of data and expert insights for Trinseo at Investing.com. For those interested, using the coupon code PRONEWS24 can provide an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription. With 9 additional InvestingPro Tips available, investors can gain a more comprehensive understanding of Trinseo’s prospects and make informed decisions.
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