Our Specialty Engineered Materials, Performance Products & Solutions (PP&S) and Distribution (POD) segments all delivered record operating income, helping us to overcome a number of macro-economic challenges and weaker performance in Designed Structures & Solutions (DSS)." These associates led to a near-immediate impact in POD and PP&S where sales cycles are the shortest within the company, and both segments reported record operating income for the full year 2016. 

Patterson added, "Performance Products & Solutions (PP&S) achieved another exceptional quarter, driven by continued mix improvement resulting in a new segment operating margin record of 12.3%.  Underlying organic sales growth plus the addition of Magenta's fiber colorant business and Kraton's TPE business was more than offset by lower year-over-year selling prices in Distribution, PP&S, and Designed Structures and Solutions (DSS), due to lower hydro-carbon based raw material costs.

Patterson said, "We've had a strong start to the year, driven by gains in Distribution and PP&S. 

Three of our businesses have already reached their 2015 margin targets with DSS and PP&S having line of sight to getting there this year," added Mr.