Westlake chose the best PVC-O solution available

 

Throughout years of collaboration, Rollepaal has established a solid partnership with Westlake, a global manufacturer with extensive experience in the chemical and building products industries. Three Westlake representatives were interviewed, and they emphasized the advantages of Rollepaal's in-line PVC-O process, highlighting its superior technical solution and alignment with their sustainability goals, efficiency improvements, and long-term strategic vision.

Andre Battistin
Senior Vice President

What were the primary factors that led you to consider Rollepaal's machinery?

For over two decades, I have closely followed the development of PVC-O manufacturing technology, starting when there were only two operational lines in the world - Apollo in the UK and the R&D line in Dedemsvaart, Netherlands. After a review of potential alternatives, we selected Rollepaal’s in-line PVC-O process. In our view, it was the best technical solution.

PVC-O pipesHow does the integration of Rollepaal machines align with Westlake Pipe & Fittings’ strategic objectives?

Rollepaal's PVC-O solution aligns with Westlake Pipe & Fittings’ strategy in two areas:

First, from a sustainability perspective, it enables us to use 40% less material, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of our manufacturing process. In addition to improving our manufacturing environmental impact, the resulting PVC-O product transports 10% more water, which supports our customers’ efforts to build sustainable infrastructure. This focus on resource efficiency becomes more and more important as we look to the future.

Secondly, as a leader in technology we are committed to manufacturing products that meet future demands. We continuously seek innovative solutions that place us at the forefront of our industry.

How did Rollepaal earn your trust?

It dates back many years when Rollepaal was still part of Wavin. During a visit to their facilities, I saw the PVC-O line in operation and spent a week at what was then Wavin’s “Marketing and Technology” center. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the PVC-O process and their patented technology. I became very comfortable with their team and capabilities, recognizing that PVC-O pipe would eventually become commercially viable.

Westlake IntroductionHow has Rollepaal's technology affected your production efficiency and product quality?

When comparing a PVC-O line to a traditional extrusion line, the PVC-O process delivers a higher output rate, producing more lengths of pipe per hour. While the start‑up phase can be complex, once the system is running well, the efficiency gains put us ahead in terms of overall production.

What do you think of the quality vs price of Rollepaal solutions?

We're highly committed to the success of this product and recognize that PVC-O technology is not for every operation - it's a highly technical process that requires a team with specialized knowledge. We have committed the required resources on our side to make this product successful. While the PVC-O line is certainly more expensive than a traditional extrusion line, we don’t view cost in isolation. We consider the support provided by the Rollepaal team, the consistency of the product, and its performance in the field. This allows us to confidently promote it as a superior solution. Our sales and specification engineering teams are equipped to explain its benefits and why it's a better product. That’s why cities will specifically ask for PVC-O. Ultimately, when evaluating cost, we take into account the full range of factors involved in delivering a high-quality, reliable product.