Kraton to Exit Dimer and Polyamides Business Lines, Close Dover Site
- 13-May-2025 11:30 PM
- Journalist: William Faulkner
Kraton Corp. announced a strategic realignment of its business to sharpen its focus on core strengths and drive long-term growth. As part of this shift, the company will discontinue its Dimer and Polyamides product lines and close its manufacturing facility in Dover, Ohio.
The decision is part of Kraton’s broader effort to streamline operations and concentrate resources on its Pine Chemicals segment. The company also operates a polymer manufacturing plant in Belpre, Ohio, which will remain unaffected.
“Our strategy is clear: focus where we have the greatest impact and drive the most value,” said Minco van Breevoort, president of Kraton Pine Chemicals. “By simplifying our operations, we can allocate investments more effectively toward our core Pine Chemical assets and innovation.”
Van Breevoort noted that the company’s Crude Tall Oil (CTO) refining operations will not be impacted by the decision. He added that the move will enhance Kraton’s ability to support customers with Tall Oil Fatty Acid supply.
Kraton emphasized its commitment to supporting affected employees and the local community throughout the transition. “We recognize the impact of this decision and are committed to a safe, respectful, and supportive process,” the company said in a statement. “The health, safety, and well-being of our employees and the Dover community remain our top priorities.”
The company also expressed its gratitude to the Dover team for their dedication. “We thank the Dover team for their long-standing commitment to safety and operational excellence,” the statement said.
With operations across multiple continents and a diverse portfolio of specialty chemical solutions, Kraton said it will continue leveraging its global footprint to respond to market changes and customer needs. The company remains focused on delivering operational excellence, high-quality service, and value to its stakeholders.
Kraton did not provide a specific timeline for the closure of the Dover site but indicated that further updates will be shared as the transition moves forward.
Headquartered in Houston, Kraton is a leading producer of specialty polymers and bio-based chemicals. The company’s realignment reflects its commitment to enhancing competitiveness and focusing on high-value growth opportunities in the global specialty chemicals market.
Kraton Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of specialty polymers and high-performance products made from renewable resources. Its polymers are utilized in a broad spectrum of industries, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care, sealants, lubricants, medical devices, packaging, automotive, paving, and roofing. As the world’s largest supplier in the pine chemicals sector, Kraton provides pine-based specialty products for the adhesive, road construction, and tire industries. Additionally, the company produces a wide array of performance chemicals used in applications such as fuel additives, oilfield chemicals, coatings, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks, and mining. Kraton serves a diverse customer base across more than 70 countries worldwide.