The Cologne district authority has granted Germany-based Bayer MaterialScience the permit to build and operate a facility for the production of the chemical TDI (toluene diisocyanate) at Chempark Dormagen.

TDI is needed as a precursor for the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foams to make products such as high-quality foams for mattresses, chairs and car seats.

Compared with a conventional plant with the same capacity, the new facility will reduce energy consumption by up to 60% and require as much as 80% less solvent.

With an annual capacity of 300,000 tonnes, the future world-scale plant is a key part of a long-term investment strategy at Bayer MaterialScience to turn its Dormagen site into a global technology centre for the development and production of polyurethanes. The employees who will be working at the new TDI facility started their training last spring. They include 15 new employees who are working alongside staff at the current pilot plant and receiving intensive instruction.