The production facility, a joint venture between Accsys and Eastman Chemical Company, replicates the design and technology of Accsys’ established production facility in the Netherlands and has an initial capacity of 43,000m³. The site creates 46 skilled new jobs in Kingsport, Tennessee.
“This important international expansion is a huge milestone for Accsys and Accoya USA,” said Dr Jelena Arsic van Os, CEO of Accsys Technologies plc. “We have created a supply proximity to our North American customers allowing us to efficiently serve the largest and the most attractive wood market in the world with the most durable and stable wood product available in the marketplace.”
“With the growing trends for timber in construction and the increasing demand for wood products, we are excited by the opportunities for Accoya USA,” said Brad Lich, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer of Eastman. “Accoya offers unrivalled performance in outdoor applications, providing sustainable and durable solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers and builders alike.”
“We’re so excited for customers to start receiving Accoya batches manufactured in Tennessee, which allows us to provide faster delivery and enhance reliability and service,” added Rod Graf, general manager of Accoya USA. “The production team is well set to produce Accoya to the same high-performance standards the market has become accustomed to.”
Accoya demand has been growing in North America, with the product having been specified for some high-profile projects including the zero carbon Marisol Malibu, the restoration of Minnesota State Capitol and the Rivington Hotel, Manhattan.
As part of the joint venture, Accsys leverages Eastman’s world-class acetyl production capabilities to produce its Accoya wood products, supporting the recycling of acetyls and enabling a closed-loop system, reducing emissions, and ensuring circularity. This adds to the already strong environmental credentials of Accoya, which is Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold.
