La Porte, Texas (December 14, 2015) - Braskem, the largest thermoplastics resins producer in the Americas, announces it has hired Saulsbury Industries to construct its new UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) plant in La Porte, Texas. Saulsbury Industries is a privately-owned EPC firm headquartered in Odessa, TX.

Braskem's UHMWPE products are produced under the trade name UTEC. Production of the new unit is expected to start by the end of 2016. The U.S. plant's output will complement the existing UTEC product line that is produced in Brazil.

The main advantages of UTEC are its excellent mechanical properties, such as high abrasion resistance, impact strength and low coefficient of friction. UTEC is a self-lubricating, high-strength, light-weight machinable product used for semi-finished goods. UTEC is eight times lighter than steel and lasts ten times longer than HDPE. UTEC is used in a vast array of applications in the following industries: construction, agriculture, automotive, textile, pulp and paper, food and beverage, coal and mining, high performance fibers, battery separators and waste water treatment.

"We are happy to announce this partnership with Saulsbury Industries. This is a strategic step in continuing to move forward with our new UHMWPE plant. Having already completed detailed engineering, we are optimistic in the future of our technology. Our investment reinforces Braskem's dedication to the North American market and the UHMWPE industry and allows us to pursue growth within our strategic markets," said Fernando Musa, CEO, Braskem America.

About Saulsbury Industries 

Founded in 1967, Saulsbury Industries is a full-service Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor that provides engineering, general construction, electrical and instrumentation, and fabrication services to heavy industrial markets nationwide. Headquartered in Odessa, Texas, Saulsbury is a family owned, debt-free company that has recently employed as many as 3,600 people. With offices in Dallas, Houston, Port Arthur, Baton Rouge, Denver, Farmington, Henderson, and Abilene, Saulsbury continues to provide reliable services to its clients.