By Frank Esposito
SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
Published: September 17, 2014 3:35 pm ET
Updated: September 17, 2014 3:57 pm ET
Image By: Polymax Elastomer Technology Co. Ltd.
Polymax Elastomer's new U.S. headquarters in Waukegan, Ill.
Chinese materials maker Polymax Elastomer Technology Co. Ltd. has opened a North American production site and headquarters in Waukegan, Ill.
The Chicago-area location will provide additional resources for manufacturing, distribution, research and development and technical sale and service, officials said in a Sept. 16 news release.
“Establishing a second headquarters in North America has been part of our strategic plan from the beginning,” co-founder and Chairman Martin Lu said in the release.
Tom Castile, sales vice president, added that Polymax “now can provide the same premium quality development, products and services from two facilities to shorten delivery lead times and control costs for our customers.”
Nantong, China-based Polymax makes styrenic block copolymer-type thermoplastic elastomers, as well as thermoplastic rubber. The firm’s materials are used in a range of automotive, healthcare, electrical and packaging applications. Its U.S. and international customers include General Motors, Nike, Adidas and Stanley Tools.
Polymax’s Maxelast-brand SBCs have been sold in North America since 2010 by distribution firm Alliance Polymers & Services LLC of Romulus, Mich. Polymax officials previously have said that their firm will continue to work with Alliance. | 
