7 January 2011 – Tensar International Corporation has increased prices for its subgrade improvement and road base reinforcement geogrid products globally. The increase, effective February 15, has been implemented to partially offset significantly higher polymer raw material costs.
“Polymer cost increases have continued throughout 2010”, explained Robert Vevoda, Tensar International President and Managing Director. “We held on for as long as possible hoping to see prices drop, but this has not happened, and we can no longer absorb the full cost increase.
Global cost of polypropylene is affected by a complex combination of factors. The base monomer, propylene, is a byproduct of both ethylene and gasoline production. These two processes account for over 90% of propylene production. Crude oil and natural gas prices, global cracking capacity and demand for gasoline and ethylene all have major impact on propylene availability and cost.
“The high durability and stiffness of polypropylene make is ideal for stabilization geogrids”. Vevoda continued. “We have continued to invest in the development of new polypropylene products such as TriAx® Geogrid that deliver improved performance. This has helped us to maintain the high value proposition delivered by Tensar technology”.
Tensar International, which pioneered polymeric grid for civil engineering applications, launched TriAx Geogrid products in 2007 and has witnessed a rapid switch from traditional biaxial geogrid products to higher performing triangular aperture grid products in the road building market. Additional information about TriAx Geogrid’s properties and capabilities is available at www.tensarcorp.com/TriAx.
About Tensar International
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Tensar International is a full-service provider of specialty products and engineering services that offer innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. Tensar solutions are based on advanced soil reinforcement technologies and incorporate proprietary, engineered applications for commercial, industrial, municipal, residential and transportation infrastructure site development. The company specializes in solutions for common site development challenges including grade changes requiring retaining walls and poor soil conditions affecting the cost of roadways, parking lots and building structures. Patented, polymeric Tensar® Geogrids are the primary component of the company’s systems, offering reliable strength and durability. Contracted services include site evaluation, conceptual engineering, design, value engineering and installation advice. For more information, visit www.tensarcorp.com.
Contact
Mr. Tim Oliver
Vice President for Global Marketing
Tensar International Corporation
+1 770 344 2140
Fax: +1 770 344 2089
E-Mail: toliver@tensarcorp.com
