In 1951, Monsanto Mexicana started up the first polystyrene plant in Lechería, Edo. de Mexico, and in 1952, Union Carbide started up its polystyrene plant in Monterrey. The Union Carbide plant was later acquired by Industrias Resistol. After 20 years of operation, Monsanto Mexicana and Industrias Resistol merged to form the Monsanto-Resistol-Desc joint venture, known as the Grupo IRSA in 1971.

In 1978, Grupo Industrias Resistol, S.A. de C.V. (IRSA) started up a new plant in Tlaxcala using Monsanto polystyrene technology. producing both GPPS and HIPS. The Coatzacoalcos plant, using the same technology started up in June, 1986 producing only GPPS 

At the end of 1992, Grupo Desc acquired Monsanto’s share of the joint venture, including the rights to the technology. At this point in its history, Resirene began putting emphasis on product development using its own proprietary technology.

From 1993 to 1998 Resirene focused on the expansion of its technology infrastructure, making significant investments in this area. As a result there are now two Pilot plants used for the development of new products and processes; an Applications Laboratory used to work collaboratively with customers to improve product performance and to adapt them to different applications and manufacturing processes; a Polymers Characterization Laboratory; and in collaboration with DESC’s Research and Development Center (CID), Resirene diversified its product line and introduced semi-specialties, specialties and tailor made products designed to add value to the customer.

Based on this infrastructure was able to develop a new polymerization technology. In 1998 Resirene begins the construction of a second polymerization line in the Tlaxcala plant. Start up was March 2000. In addition to increasing manufacturing capacity, this new line allowed Resirene to make significant progress in the development of specialty products

In Resirene we are proud to be a part of the chemical sector of Grupo KUO by Desc.