Tough Lexan(TM) Polycarbonate Sheet from GE Gives Clear Advantage to Awe-Inspiring Shanghai South Railway Station Design
SHANGHAI, CHINA - Jan. 31, 2006 - The newest, largest round roof of its kind in the world - that of the massive new Shanghai South Railway Station - is being constructed of clear, tough Lexan* polycarbonate (PC) sheet from GE. Not only does this ambitious construction project represent one of the largest single orders of Lexan sheet ever received by GE's Plastics business to date, but more importantly underscores GE's commitment to help revitalize the Chinese infrastructure with some of the world's most advanced materials technologies.
Much of the roof of the Shanghai South Railway Station covers the upper departure area of the station, which is around 300 meters in diameter and capable of holding up to 10,000 people. The custom-designed sheet is being manufactured using procedures developed specifically for this demanding project. GE - Plastics is utilizing a global team of experts from GE China and GE - Plastics, Specialty Film & Sheet business in France, Italy, India, and European headquarters in Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands.
"Lexan sheet's virtually unmatched impact and weathering resistance, plus its clarity and outstanding dimensional stability, made it the top choice of both the architects and the Chinese authorities involved in this project," said Frans van de Noort, Asia/Pacific general manager for GE - Plastics, Specialty Film & Sheet. "Our technical teams are working closely on every aspect of this project and will continue to provide hands-on support throughout the manufacture, shipment, and installation phases."
With its sweeps of Lexan sheet, the station's design is meant to glow with both daytime light and nighttime lamplight, symbolizing Shanghai's emerging global economic, financial, and cultural leadership. The Shanghai South Station serves railway, subway, light track, and buses arriving from all points of the compass - hence the building's round shape, which is very unique for this type of application. A huge international effort, the station was commissioned by the Chinese Ministry of Railways, with infrastructure support from the Shanghai municipal government, building design from France, and components sourced globally.
As a leading worldwide sponsor of the Olympic Games - including the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing - GE is supplying super-strong Lexan sheet for use in other important building projects in China. The already completed Chongqing Stadium, for example, uses a completely new grade of Lexan sheet for its roof glazing. The new stadium is currently hosting a number of sporting events and will be an international focal point as China prepares to promote the 2008 Summer Games.
Beyond China, Lexan sheet is frequently the top choice as a tough, clear architectural material in window glazing, ceilings, surrounds, and related building and construction applications worldwide. Its excellent UV stability, impact strength, and high heat resistance, all contribute to its success as an outstanding building and construction material.
About GE - Plastics
GE - Plastics is a global supplier of plastic resins widely used in automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, transportation, performance packaging, building & construction, telecommunications, and optical media applications. The company manufactures and compounds polycarbonate, ABS, SAN, ASA, PPE, PC/ABS, PBT and PEI resins, as well as the LNP* line of high-performance specialty compounds. GE - Plastics, Specialty Film & Sheet manufactures high-performance Lexan* sheet and film products used in thousands of demanding applications worldwide. In addition, GE - Plastics' dedicated Automotive organization is an experienced, world-wide competitor, offering leading plastics solutions for five key automotive segments: body panels and glazing; under the hood applications; component; structures and interiors; and lighting. As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games.
Lexan is a trademark of General Electric Company.
Contacts
The Americas
Christopher Tessier
GE - Plastics, Pittsfield, Mass.
Tel: +1 413 448 6926
E-Mail: christopher.tessier@ge.com
