As of January 25th 2010, Arkema formally completed its acquisition of Dow's Acrylic Monomers and Acrylic Latex Polymers (UCAR Emulsion Systems) business in North America.

Following this acquisition, the Clear Lake (Texas) Acrylic Monomers production site is being integrated into the existing Acrylics business unit, within the Industrial Chemicals business segment.
The Acrylic Latex Polymers activity forms a new business unit dedicated to the paint, coatings, adhesives and construction product markets – Arkema Emulsion Systems. This new business unit will be part of the Industrial Chemicals business segment.

Richard Jenkins has been appointed Managing Director of this newly created business unit.

Arkema Emulsion Systems is headquartered in Cary (North Carolina, USA) and operates three latex production facilities in Torrance (California), Alsip (Illinois) and Hahnville (Louisiana). Research and development, marketing, sales and administration functions are located at the Cary, N.C. headquarters.

The PolyphobeTM Rheology modifiers formerly in the UCAR Emulsion Systems product line are being integrated into Arkema’s Coatex subsidiary. By supplying PolyphobeTM products, Coatex will extend its portfolio for the Paint and Coatings industry to the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico markets.

Richard Jenkins was previously the General Manager of Dow’s UCAR Emulsions Systems and Monomers business; he has over 23 years of industry experience covering a range of technology, marketing, and business leadership positions both in North America and abroad. 
He is graduated with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1990 and has amassed 29 Patents and 70 publications of scientific papers to his credit throughout his career.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reported sales of 5.6 billion euros in 2008. Arkema has 15,000 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.