Solvay Fluorides, a company formed following the acquisition of Ausimont by the Solvay Group in 2002, operates production sites in five countries. In addition to fluoropolymers, the company focuses on other specialty products including fluorinated fluids and fluoroelastomers. A leader in fluorinated materials fluorochemicals, while offering a balance of useful properties, the compound is valued for its exceptional resistance to other chemical agents and environments that attack and degrade lesser materials. Fluorinated materials are often the only viable protection against highly corrosive and aggressive chemicals. The materials perform well in a wide range of temperatures and uses, are chemically inert, UV resistant and offer excellent release properties. Applications that exploit the characteristics of fluorochemicals range from durable coatings for architectural components to chemical process vessels and piping, from jacketing for electrical wiring to high performance lubricants. Solvay Fluorides has a unique capability to make fluorinated products, from the mining of the fluorspar mineral in Namibia to the conversion of hydrogen fluoride using Solvay core technology to the production of a broad range of fluorinated materials. The company employs more than 1800 people in five countries, including 250 in research and development. Solvay Fluorides is located in Houston, Texas.