Bayer ABS (formerly ABS Industries) incorporated in 1973, commenced production in 1978. The company was promoted by R S Agarwal, a chemical engineer from the US, and J J Mehta, who has over fifty years of experience in the petrochemical and engineering industries. Its works is situated in Nandesari and Katol in Gujarat. Its R & D Centre is also in Moxi, Gujarat. It manufactures 37,388 tonnes of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymer, a versatile engineering plastic accepted as a substitute for conventional materials. The mechanical and thermal properties of ABS are comparable to metals. The company also manufactures 32,361 tonnes of SAN (styrene acrylonitrile), a plastic giving a 95% transparent finish. The major applications of ABS are in refrigerator liners, automobile components, telecommunications, consumer electronics, household appliances, computer cabinets, cameras, etc. It has a technical collaboration with Japan Synthetic Rubber Company, Japan. During 1996-97, Bayer Industries, subsidiary of Bayer AG, Germany, acquired a controlling stake of 50.97 % of equity shares, by way of preferential issue of shares and acquisition of existing shares through the open offer. It becamed a subsidiary of Bayer Industries. In 1999-2000, the company has started aggressive marketing of Makrolon (Polycarbonate) by importing and selling in the country and is now the market leader for this product. The company has been awarded ISO 9001 Certification for its quality systems. The company has executed two global projects that was undertaken in the year 2000 (PC+SAN and Nylon+Polyethylene blends). It also manufactures 6000 tonnes of SAN (Styrene acrylonitrile), a plastic giving a 95% transparent finish. In 2003-2004, the company has increased its production capacity of Poly-Butadiene from 6000 tpa to 9000 tpa which lead to an increase of 6000 MT production capacity in ABS Resins. Consequent of this expansion,the total capacity of ABS Resins has risen to 44000 MT. During 2004-2005, Lanxess India Pvt Ltd has acquired 50.97% equity in the company. Subsequently, the company became a subsidary of Lanxess India Pvt Ltd.