SEKISUI Voltek, a leading manufacturer of high-performance foam products, today announced structural changes aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation across its business segments.

Neil Beckhusen has been appointed President & CEO of SEKISUI Alveo in Switzerland alongside his current role leading SEKISUI Voltek in the United States. Leveraging his extensive experience and strategic vision, Neil will drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence across both organizations. With Neil’s leadership, SEKISUI Alveo and SEKISUI Voltek aim to strengthen their global presence and deliver enhanced value to customers. Neil’s demonstrated commitment to innovation and customer value as CEO of SEKISUI Voltek underscores his readiness for these dual leadership roles.

Additionally, Voltek is pleased to announce several promotions across various departments, highlighting its commitment to talent development and leadership succession.

• Mitch Brock –Vice President of Operations/COO
• Jeff Budd –Vice President of Finance/CFO
• Cynthia Visotsky –Vice President of Human Resources
• Mark Hatch –Senior Director of Sales for all Business Units, as well as oversee Research and Development, Customer Service and Marketing
• Maureen Hurley –Senior Director, Data Visualization
• Bill Odisher –Senior Director, Manufacturing
• Alex Ahn –Director of General Industrial and Transportation
• Heath Gillette –Director, QEHS
• Erica Pelfrey –Director of Finance
• John Padilla –Transportation Business Unit Manager
• Andy Post –Tape and Healthcare Business Unit Manager
• Jen Angott –Customer Service Manager and Marketing Manager
• Chantelle Bailey –IT Manager

Please join us in congratulating our team on these promotions.

October 25, 2023

Coldwater, MI – SEKISUI Voltek, a global leader in the development and production of high-performance polyolefin foam solutions, celebrated breaking ground on their expanded manufacturing facility. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth has taken a giant leap forward as plans for the new facility take form, reaffirming Voltek’s position as an industry pioneer.

Key executives, government representatives, employees and guests gathered to commemorate the occasion and witness the start of construction on the cutting-edge facility. City of Coldwater Mayor, Tom Kramer was on hand to congratulate Voltek on the expansion.

Neil Beckhusen, President & CEO of SEKISUI Voltek, expressed his excitement about the possibilities this new facility brings, stating, “Today, we celebrate not only the groundbreaking of a physical structure but also a symbol of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. This facility will enable us to provide our customers with cutting-edge foam solutions while minimizing our environmental footprint. We are proud to be part of a greener, more sustainable future.”

The facility will expand Voltek’s global presence and better serve its customers across various industries, including tape & healthcare, automotive, construction and industrial. With this new facility, SEKISUI Voltek aims to foster collaborative partnerships and continue delivering exceptional solutions to its customers throughout North and South America.

The decision to expand the facility was assisted by both State and local tax incentives.  Working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Branch County Economic Growth Alliance and the City of Coldwater, SEKISUI Voltek received economic incentives to create tax base and job growth in the Coldwater Community.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in SEKISUI Voltek’s journey, promising expanded capabilities and growth. For more information about SEKISUI Voltek, please visit www.sekisuivoltek.com.

About SEKISUI Voltek

SEKISUI Voltek, a subsidiary of SEKISUI Chemical Co., Ltd., is a global leader in the development and production of high-performance polyolefin foams. With extensive experience and expertise, SEKISUI Voltek manufactures customizable foam products that offer exceptional performance, versatility, and environmental consciousness. From automotive to tape & healthcare, SEKISUI Voltek’s foam solutions are trusted and respected by various industries worldwide.

Coldwater, MI —SEKISUI Voltek, a global leader in closed-cell, cross-linked polyolefin foams, is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX) tradeshow, taking place in Atlanta, Georgia from October 30 – November 2, 2023. SEKISUI Voltek will share exhibit space with sister companies SEKISUI Aerospace, SEKISUI Kydex and SEKISUI Polymatech.  This event will bring together industry professionals, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the latest advances in composites and advanced materials.

SEKISUI Voltek will showcase its comprehensive range of innovative solutions during the CAMX show. Visitors to our booth will have the opportunity to engage with our team of experts and discover how our foam products can enhance their specific applications and meet their unique requirements.

With a vast portfolio of high-performance foams, SEKISUI Voltek provides advanced solutions across a wide array of industries including aerospace, automotive, marine, outdoor recreation, medical, and more. Our products are trusted for their exceptional mechanical properties, sound insulation capabilities, thermal insulation, and energy absorption characteristics.

We invite all CAMX attendees to join us at booth BB18 to experience firsthand how SEKISUI’s global network of innovative solutions can elevate their projects and applications to new heights. If you would like to schedule a meeting with SEKISUI Voltek, or one of the other SEKISUI companies, click here.

Event Details

• Tradeshow: CAMX 2023
• Date: October 30 – November 2, 2023
• Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia
• Booth: BB18

To learn more about SEKISUI Voltek and our advanced foam solutions, please visit our website www.sekisuivoltek.com or contact us at prodinfo@sekisuivoltek.com.

When it comes to foam materials, there are two methods of crosslinking: irradiation, or physically crosslinking, and chemically cross-linking. These methods have their own unique characteristics and result in foam with differing properties. In this blog, we will explore the differences between the two and discuss the benefits of using irradiation cross-linked foam, such as Volara®, versus chemically cross-linked foam.

What is Cross-linking?

First, let’s understand what crosslinking means. Crosslinking is a process in which polymer chains are bonded together, forming a three-dimensional network. This network enhances the physical properties of the foam, such as increased strength, durability, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and aging.

Irradiation crosslinking is a process where foam is exposed to high-energy radiation, typically from electron beams or gamma rays. The energy from the radiation breaks the polymer chains, creating radicals that rapidly react with neighboring chains. These reactions form new chemical bonds, resulting in cross-linked foam.

Chemical crosslinking, on the other hand, involves adding a crosslinking agent or chemical compound to the foam during its production. This crosslinking agent reacts with the polymer chains, creating new bonds and forming a cross-linked structure.

Now, let’s discuss the differences between irradiation cross-linked foam and chemically cross-linked foam:

Manufacturing Process

Irradiation crosslinking happens either post or mid-production and requires energy from an external source to create the chain scission to make the radical. Chemical cross-linking uses the internal chemical to create the chain scission. Many manufacturers do not have the capability to cross link their foams in-house and must send the materials off-site to complete this process. SEKISUI Voltek handles each step of our process in-house without the need to ship material outside of our building.  

Control over Cross-linking

In irradiation cross-linked foam, one may adjust the degree of crosslinking through the radiation dosage and exposure time to change properties such as hardness and flexibility.  In chemically cross-linked foam, one may adjust the concentration of the chemical crosslinking agent to change hardness and flexibility properties.

Energy Consumption

Since physically cross-linked foam uses high energy radiation, renewable energy, such as solar power, is one way to help reduce energy consumption. Currently, SEKISUI Voltek purchases 25% renewable energy with a goal of 100% by the end of 2024. Earlier this year, SEKISUI Voltek announced plans to build a second plant adjacent to their current facility. The goal for this new building is to be fully self-sufficient by relying 100% on solar and purchased renewable energy, furthering our work to reduce our carbon footprint and help create a more sustainable society.

Properties

Traditional irradiation cross-linked foams tend to be smoother with no outgassing, improved resistance to heat, chemicals, and aging due to the presence of highly-stable crosslinks. Chemically cross-linked foams offer some control over properties such as flexibility and hardness, however; there can be heavy outgassing due to the chemical additive. Some foams have higher VOCs due to their makeup, such as XL bun foam products. Some EVA grades have higher odor emission, but it’s important to note not all EVA foam is cross-linked.

Safety

Certain irradiation cross-linked grades are ideal for medical devices and other medical applications due to FDA approval for direct skin contact. A number of Voltek’s Volara grades show passing results according to ISO’s biocompatibility tests. Results below:

ISO Compatibility

Grade		Test Method & Results
		ISO 10993-5	ISO 10993-10	ISO 10993-10	ISO 13485
		Cytotoxicity	Primary Skin Irritation	Ocular Irritation	Oral Toxicity
Volara	020EO125WH	Non-toxic	Non-irritant	Non-Irritant	Non-Toxic
	040EO0063WH	Non-toxic	Non-irritant	Non-Irritant	Non-Toxic
	060EO0031WH	Non-toxic	Non-irritant	Non-Irritant	Non-Toxic
	020EOX125WH	Non-toxic	Non-irritant	Non-Irritant	Non-Toxic
	040EOX0063WH	Non-toxic	Non-irritant	Non-Irritant	Non-Toxic
	034TBX0063WH	Non-toxic	Non-irritant	Non-Irritant	Non-Toxic

Conclusion

While both irradiation cross-linked and chemically cross-linked foams offer valuable properties, there are additional benefits to using an irradiation cross-linked foam. SEKISUI Voltek’s Volara® foam, tends to have a more uniform cell structure and smoother surface without the pungent smell common with chemically cross-linked materials.

To learn more about our physically cross-linked foams, give us a call at (833) 517-1627 or email us at prodinfo@sekisuivoltek.com

Last week was “Race Week” here in Michigan, and we are spotlighting how and where SEKSIUI Voltek’s Volara® foam is used within the automotive market. Our product range includes an assortment of polyethylene and polypropylene foams designed specifically to meet the needs of the global automotive industry.

We manufacture Volara foam using our proprietary irradiation cross-linked process, providing a closed-cell, cross-linked foam product available in various densities, resin mixes, thicknesses, widths and colors. Volara is a versatile foam option because of its lightweight, smooth surface and low water absorption. Additionally, it is also ideal for sound dampening and insulation purposes. If your application requires FR or anti-microbial properties, special additives are available to meet your needs.

Popular Automotive Foam Grades

• Type AS – Polyethylene blend for enhanced vacuum forming capabilities. For applications required to pass FMVSS 302, FR can be added.
• Type AF – General purpose LDPE foam with certain fire retardant properties and a great choice for automotive components. Meets certain federal, military, and automotive requirements on the flammability of cellular plastics.
• Type LS, LSO – Rigid polypropylene alloy with improved thermal stability and ideal for thermoformed component applications.
• Type RS – Custom-made polypropylene alloy variants for automotive interior trim, high heat resistance, high elongation.
• Type SVS – A soft polypropylene foam with very good recovery characteristics ideal for interior trim applications.
• Type VS, VSO, VSX – Custom-made polypropylene alloy variants for automotive interior trim, high heat resistance, high elongation.

Applications

Adding Volextra®

Volextra combines the superior properties of Volara with the added benefit of extrusion coatings added to one side, both sides, or between layers of Volara foam. Volextra also provides enhanced performance, processing and decorative features to meet surface and structural requirements with a lightweight foam material.

• Surface coatings – LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, EVA, PP, TPO, TPR, SURLYN, FR, UV inhibitors, anti-static
• Coating range – 2 mils to 55 mils thick, depending on coating resin
• Surface finish – leather grain, burlap, glossy or matte
• Thickness – 0.031″ to 2″ laminated
• Foam Density – 2-12 pcf, all Volara grades

To learn more, email us at prodinfo@sekisuivotlek.com or call (833) 517-1627.

SEKISUI Voltek is proud to announce its sponsorship of Gage Rodgers in the Henry Ford Health 200 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 4. As part of the sponsorship agreement, SEKISUI Voltek will be the primary sponsor on Rodgers’ No. 10 car for the race. The event will start at 6 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action live on FS1 or stream via FloRacing.

“We are excited to partner with Gage Rodgers and support him in the upcoming race at MIS,” said Neil Beckhusen, President and CEO of SEKISUI Voltek. “As a company, we are always looking for ways to give back to the community and support local athletes, and sponsoring Gage is a great way for us to do just that.”

“We were honored to be a part of his first ARCA start in Daytona and are looking forward to sponsoring his first ARCA race in Michigan”, states Beckhusen.

Rodgers, a rising star in the world of stock-car racing, looks forward to have SEKISUI Voltek on board as his sponsor for the event.

“I’m grateful for the support of SEKISUI Voltek and can’t wait to represent them on the track again,” he said. “I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans at MIS and competing for a strong finish.”

Rodgers will be driving a Toyota as part of Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track Racing Team.

The Henry Ford Health 200 is one of the most anticipated events on the racing calendar, drawing thousands of fans from across the country. With the support of SEKISUI Voltek and other sponsors, Rodgers and his team are poised for success on the track.

Coldwater, MI — SEKISUI Voltek, manufacturer of Volara® foam, announced today they received an award, from parent company SEKISUI CHEMICAL, for the safety improvements made in their Coldwater facility. The award evaluated challenges, and the processes implemented, that changed the status quo and received good results on a highly difficult, novel and sustainable strategy.  

As a result, the Voltek team created an initiative to prevent accidents caused by caught-between and caught-in points, otherwise known as pinch points, throughout the plant. Moving machine parts have the potential to cause workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputation and even death. Common causes for pinch point accidents are; reaching into areas with moving parts, lack of attention to location of hands/feet, articles of clothing or hair becoming tangled, and lack of safety guards.

The Voltek team evaluated equipment and areas within the plant with higher risk for pinch point injuries. Ultimately, light curtains that shut the machine down if the curtain is broken were installed, along with other machine guards preventing the employee from accessing areas with moving parts that could cause injury.

“The focus on safety is our top priority. We want each of our employees to go home at the end of each shift without injury. It’s an ongoing effort, and we strive to keep it top of mind in everything we do” said Don Ostrander, Environmental, and Health & Safety Manager at SEKISUI Voltek.

To learn more about SEKISUI Voltek and their closed-cell, cross-linked foam products, visit www.sekisuivoltek.com or call (833) 517-1627.

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SEKISUI Chemical, a global leader in high-performance plastics, urban infrastructure, environmental products, and housing and medical technology, was named to the Global 100 list of Most Sustainable Corporations for the eighth time! Discover more about the SEKISUI legacy of excellence at the FOAM EXPO in Novi, MI, June 20-22. With the support of SEKISUI America Corporation, the SEKISUI family of brands—SEKISUI Voltek, SEKISUI Specialty Chemicals and SEKISUI Products—is proud to showcase its superior service, diverse portfolio of products and commitment to innovation at the largest, free trade fair and conference for technical foam products and manufacturing in the United States.  

While attending the Foam Expo, be sure to explore the SEKISUI zone where you’ll learn more about SEKISUI Voltek, the leading manufacturer of cross-linked, closed-cell polyolefin foams including Volara^® foam and VolaraBLOCK; SEKISUI Specialty Chemicals manufacturers of an array of Selvol polyvinyl alcohol polymers and copolymers, as well as representing Advancell thermo-expandable foam cells and SLEC BK polyvinyl acetal resins; and SEKISUI Products, providers of high-performance pressure sensitive adhesives and foam tapes throughout the Americas.

Look for SEKISUI Zone signage throughout the exhibit floor and be sure to stop by booths 1406, 1410 and 1507 to say hello—we look forward to meeting you!

SEKISUI Voltek Research and Development Manager, Keigo Shimura, will present at PSTC Tape Week 2023 on Wednesday, May 10th at 10:30 a.m. Keigo will present the Variables that Affect the Internal Strength of Foam and the Measurement Method Thereof. He will discuss how to maximize the toughness of the foam, how to reduce cost and still maintain the target internal strength, and how other properties are impacted by optimizing the internal strength.

PSTC Tape Week will be held at the Hilton Orlando May 8 – 11, 2023.

Keigo has been with SEKISUI Voltek as their Research and Development Manager for 12.5 years. He holds a total of four degrees, including a bachelor’s in Chemistry and Art and a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester and Master’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

COLDWATER, Michigan — SEKISUI Voltek, the leading manufacturer of high-performance foam materials, announced they received two awards from parent company SEKISUI Chemical at the recent 75^th Anniversary Celebration. Voltek received the ESG Sustainable Management Award and the CEO ESG Sustainable Management Award for their excellent contributions to improve their sustainability management.

Sustainability management refers to the practice of managing an organization’s economic, social, and environmental impact in a way that ensures long-term sustainability. SEKISUI Voltek has been creating strategies to balance the needs of the business with the needs of society and the planet. They accomplished this by identifying and addressing the organization’s environmental impacts, developing sustainable business practices, promoting social responsibility, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and engaging stakeholders in sustainability initiatives.

Five companies within SEKISUI received the ESG Sustainability Management award. Of the five winners, one company was selected to receive the CEO ESG Sustainability award, and CEO Neil Beckhusen and the Voltek team were subsequently chosen.

“We are honored to receive these awards, and rely on our amazing team whose daily commitments push us to keep reaching for these goals. Their ongoing commitment helps to create a sustainable environment for us, and the future generations to come” says SEKISUI Voltek President and CEO, Neil Beckhusen.