Sumitomo Bakelite Plans Ohio Phenolic Resin Plant Closure
Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd. plans to close the Durez Corp. manufacturing plant in Kenton, Ohio, as it restructures its North American phenolic resin operations.
The company said production will end sequentially by product beginning in September 2027. Products made at Kenton will either be discontinued or transferred to other manufacturing locations.
Sumitomo Bakelite cited the aging condition of the facility, future capital-investment requirements and optimization of its North American production network in explaining the decision. The final timing of the closure will depend on existing contractual supply obligations.
The Kenton operation began production in 1955. Durez produces phenolic resins and related materials for industrial applications.
Changes in phenolic resin manufacturing capacity can affect raw-material sourcing and supply planning for coatings and related industrial formulations. Explore more PCI coverage of paint and coating resins and polymers.
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